O-fuda

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O-fuda (御札) is a gofu (護符) or a talisman issued by Shinto shrine. It may also be called shinpu (神符). It is made by inscribing the name of a kami, the name of Shinto shrine, or a representative of kami on a strip of paper, wood, cloth, or metal.

It is to be renewed yearly, typically before the end of a year, and attached to a door, pillar, or ceiling. It may also be placed inside a private shrine (kamidana). It is believed to protect the family in residence from general harms such as disease. A more specific o-fuda may be placed near particular objects such as one for kitchen to protect from accidental fire. A popular o-fuda called Jingu Taima (神宮大麻) or simply Taima (大麻) is issued by Ise Shrine. It is made from hemp cloth but it should be noted that use of hemp as a clothing material was common from antiquity and no spiritual quality is assigned to its potential drug use. (See Cannabis (drug))

A portable form of o-fuda, commonly called Omamori (お守り) is typically given out wrapped in a small bag made of decorated cloth. This originates from Buddhism, but was subsequently adopted by Shinto. Both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines give out these omamori. While an o-fuda is said to protect a whole family, an omamori allegedly offers support for personal benefits.

O-fuda in Japanese folklore and works of fiction such as in modern manga and anime, has a more specific appearance and meaning. In this context an o-fuda is a small piece of paper that has holy or magical spells, symbols or writing written on it, either by a powerful priest, sorcerer, or miko. An o-fuda is usually a talisman or even an outright weapon against those with evil or harmful intent such as demons or oni. The exact interpretation varies depending on the author or artist.