Vintage Japan Somin Shorai Worship Wooden Amulet Charm Hand Made

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DETAILS OF ITEMThis piece measures 3.5" tall. This is a wooden hexagonal shaped amulet charm folk toy based on popular folk belief called Somin Shorai worship. From the star motif on the top of the charm, this particular Somin Shorai amulet originated from Sasanoji Temple of Yonezawa of Yamagata Prefecture of Japan though the temple is affectionately known as the Sasano Kannon. This particular amulet was sold during the Hatsu Jyuhichido Festival of Sasano Kannon on the 17th of January every year along with famous folk toys called the Sasano Ittobori pieces.Made from a willow tree, it is an amulet for the prayer for good luck and especially for good health and epidemic prevention. Somin Shorai worship has a very long history: The Japan's oldest amulet dated more than 1,200 years old was excavated in Kyoto and it was a Somin Shorai charm.The Bingo Fudoki is an ancient document denoting the Bingo (present day Hiroshima) region's history, culture and folklore. According to this document, Susano-O-no-Mikoto, the brother of Sun Goddess Amaterasu, was traveling disguised as an old beggar in the Bingo area and needed a place to stay for the night. Kotan Shorai, a man of great wealth in the region refused to give him lodging but his elder brother, Somin Shorai was happy to welcome Susano-O for a night's lodging even though he was very poor. read more

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