Anzan Omamori: The Japanese Amulet for Safe Childbirth
In the bustling streets of Tokyo or the quiet temple grounds of Kyoto, travelers will often spot colorful, embroidered pouches dangling from bags. These are omamori, Japanese amulets believed to provide protection and luck. Among the vast array of these charms—ranging from traffic safety to academic success—one holds a particularly tender place in Japanese culture: the Anzan Omamori (安産のお守り), or the charm for a safe delivery.
For expecting parents or those looking for a meaningful gift for a pregnant friend, the Anzan Omamori is more than just a souvenir; it is a spiritual gesture of support, embodying centuries of tradition, folklore, and the universal hope for a healthy mother and child.
The Origins: The Day of the Dog
To understand the Anzan Omamori, one must first understand the Japanese traditions surrounding pregnancy. The roots of this charm are deeply intertwined with the Inu-no-hi, or the “Day of the Dog.”
In the traditional Japanese calendar, days are assigned to the twelve zodiac animals. The dog is revered as a symbol of easy childbirth because canines typically give birth to multiple puppies with relative ease and without complications. Consequently, on the first Day of the Dog in the fifth month of pregnancy, it is customary for expectant mothers to visit a shrine to pray for a safe delivery.
During this visit, a ritual known as Obi-iwai takes place. The mother-to-be wraps a cotton sash, called a fukusa or iwata-obi, around her abdomen to support the baby and keep the belly warm. It is usually during this ceremony that the Anzan Omamori is purchased or received, serving as a portable guardian for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Legend: Empress Jingu and the Stone
The spiritual backing of the Anzan Omamori is often linked to powerful figures in Japanese mythology, most notably Empress Jingu. According to folklore, Empress Jingu was a legendary figure who carried her son, the future Emperor Ojin, while leading a military campaign.
Legend dictates that to delay her labor until she returned to Japan, she attached a stone to her waist. Upon her return to Kyushu, she gave birth safely. This stone, and the subsequent safe birth of a future emperor, cemented her status as a deity of safe childbirth and child-rearing. Many Hachiman shrines across Japan, which are dedicated to the divine spirit of Emperor Ojin and his mother, are popular destinations for acquiring Anzan Omamori.
Another figure often associated with these charms is Kishimojin (Hariti) in the Buddhist tradition. Originally a demoness who devoured children, she converted to Buddhism and became a benevolent protector of children and easy delivery. Her imagery is frequently found on Buddhist versions of the charm.
Modern Culture: A Gift of Support
In contemporary Japan, the Anzan Omamori has evolved beyond a purely religious artifact into a cultural staple of maternity. While the traditional aesthetic involves red or white brocade fabric embroidered with the name of the shrine and the word Anzan (Safe Birth), modern designs have become increasingly diverse.
Today, you can find charms featuring pastel colors, floral patterns, and even popular characters like Hello Kitty or Rilakkuma. Despite the aesthetic updates, the core function remains the same. It is common etiquette for partners, parents, or close friends to gift this charm to an expecting mother. It is a way of saying, “I am thinking of you, and I wish for your safety,” without needing to speak the words.
Pregnant women often attach the charm to their maternal health handbook case (a booklet issued by the municipality for health records) or their handbag, ensuring the deity’s protection is always close by.
Traveler’s Tips: Buying and Handling Omamori
If you are visiting Japan and wish to purchase an Anzan Omamori, here is what you need to know regarding etiquette and acquisition.
Where to Buy
While almost any shrine or temple will sell general omamori, specific shrines are famous for safe delivery.
- Suitengu Shrine (Tokyo): This is perhaps the most famous shrine for safe childbirth in Japan. It is dedicated to protection against water-related incidents and safe delivery.
- Nakayama-dera (Hyogo): A Buddhist temple with a history tied to Prince Shotoku, famous for its bell-shaped Anzan charms.
- Umi-Hachiman Shrine (Fukuoka): Associated with the legend of Empress Jingu.
Omamori Etiquette
- Do Not Open It: The spirit or power of the deity is sealed inside the pouch (often represented by a small piece of wood or paper with a prayer). Opening the pouch is considered disrespectful and is said to release the luck.
- Validity: An omamori is generally considered “active” for one year or until the wish is fulfilled. In the case of Anzan Omamori, it is kept until the baby is born.
- Returning the Charm: After the safe birth, it is customary to return the charm to the shrine or temple where it was purchased (or a nearby one) during the Omiyamairi (shrine visit for the newborn). There are designated collection boxes for old charms, which are then ritually burned (otakiage) to release the spirit.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the deep historical context of the deities mentioned, the following classical texts provide the foundational mythology:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): For accounts of early Japanese deities and the lineage of emperors.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Contains detailed legends regarding Empress Jingu and her campaigns.
- Japanese Folk Rituals regarding Childbirth: Various academic surveys on Inu-no-hi and the Obi-iwai tradition.
The Anzan Omamori is a beautiful window into the Japanese soul—a blend of ancient mythology, community care, and the timeless hope for new life.