We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our very own Omamori (お守り)—a traditional Japanese lucky charm to complement our equally spellbinding tea. Like our tea, these beautifully designed charms are imbued with “magic,” but to unlock their potential, you’ll need a bit of imagination and respect for tradition. Read on to learn more.
What Are Omamori?
Omamori are small, personalized talismans or prayers, blessed by monks and wrapped in decorated fabric or paper. Rooted in both Buddhist and Shinto traditions, these charms date back to the 16th century and are now ubiquitous in Japanese culture. You’ll find them in pockets, purses, cars, and homes—offering protection and blessings for nearly every aspect of life.
There are two primary styles of omamori:
- Talisman Omamori: From the Buddhist tradition, these rectangular charms contain written prayers or sutras on paper or wood.
- Morphic Omamori: Aligned with Shintoism, these charms take miniature forms, such as bells or objects representing what they’re meant to protect.
Omamori are versatile—you can hang them from personal belongings, keep them in your wallet, or gift them to loved ones. But remember one crucial rule…
The First Rule of Omamori: Don’t Open It!
No matter how tempting it is to peek inside, the “magic” of an omamori resides in its sealed form. Opening the charm releases its protective power, and once it’s gone, it won’t return. That said, some wear and tear on the packaging is perfectly fine—it’s seen as a sign that the charm is working hard for you.
Omamori: A Cultural Tradition
Omamori have become an integral part of Japanese culture, bridging history, spirituality, and craftsmanship. Shrines and temples across Japan sell these charms to support their upkeep, with blessings lasting about a year. After that, it’s customary to return the charm to the shrine and purchase a new one. Some families even keep unopened omamori as heirlooms, passing them down through generations.
Modern collectors have taken a keen interest in omamori, with rare and vintage pieces fetching prices comparable to collectible baseball or Pokémon cards. Their blend of artistry and spiritual significance makes them highly sought after.
A Charm for Every Need
There’s an omamori for virtually every aspect of life. Popular types include:
- Kenko (健康): Good health
- Shiawase (幸せ): Happiness
- Kaiun (開運): Good fortune
- Yakuyoke (厄除け): Protection from bad luck
- Katsumori (勝守): Success in achieving goals
More specific charms exist too, such as Kumajo (熊除け) for protection from bears, Petto Omamori (ペットお守り) for pets, and Jōhō Anzen Kigan (情報安全祈願) for cybersecurity.
Omamori and Tea Culture
Omamori are deeply tied to Japanese tea traditions. Shrines associated with tea-growing regions offer charms to bless tea ceremonies and tools. Common tea-related omamori include:
- Fukuju no Omamori (福寿のお守り): Bestowed as gifts for good luck in tea ceremonies.
- Mizugumo no Omamori (水雲のお守り): Prevents spills and accidents with hot water.
- Otemae no Omamori (お点前のお守り): Ensures the tea master’s skill and precision.
These charms reflect the deep respect for tea in Japanese culture and the spiritual significance of its preparation.
Ocha & Co’s Exclusive Omamori
We’re proud to introduce the Ocha & Co Chadou Omamori (茶道お守り), specially created for tea enthusiasts. Designed and blessed by monks at the historic Oguni Shrine in Shizuoka—a region synonymous with Japanese tea production—these authentic charms are a perfect blend of tradition and purpose.
Our omamori is intended to bring good luck, confidence, and success to your tea-making rituals. Hang it from your teapot, attach it to your matcha whisk, or keep it close as a reminder of the care and tradition that go into every cup of tea.
Find your best fortune here: https://theomamorishop.com/
Experience the charm of tea culture with our exclusive omamori and enjoy a little extra luck in every sip.
