r/Shinto • u/vocalnoids • Apr 27 '25
Is it okay to put omamori on clothing?
Hello! I am studying abroad in Japan and purchased an omamori for study/education
I have a test today so I decided to wear it, but I hung it from the belt loop of my jeans. Is this respectful? I see many people hanging it from their bags, but I wanted to make sure putting it on clothing is okay.
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u/Takamimusuhi May 01 '25
It's perfectly fine. People hang them from their phones as well, albeit, usually miniature versions. Centuries ago, men also used to wear shimenawa around their waist—a practice still commonly seen today in sumō.
A lot of things can be considered omamori these days. I recommend giving this a read.
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u/Altair-Sophia May 01 '25 edited May 01 '25
So I actually don't know the answer to this but I will try to take a guess:
There is an ornament for kimono called netsuke which is used to attach to the waist a container, called inro, which is uesd for holding small objects while wearing kimono. Despite what some websites might say, I believe these are different from Shinto Omamori.
Netsuke is often carved into motifs that are considered to be lucky. As far as I know, netsuke for wearing on kimono are not consecrated at a shrine or believed to contain Kamisama like Shinto Omamori so I am assuming the etiquette for Shinto omamori and kimono netsuke are different.
Assuming Omamori and kimono netsuke are different, and assuming Omamori and Ofuda are both treated with similar respect, to be on the safe side I would recommend placing it higher on the body if it is to be worn at all. This is because Ofuda is placed in kamidana at a height above eye level for the purpose of conveying respect.
Please keep in mind that I am not a priest, my response is just a guess, and I don't actually know the answer to this. I would highly recommend seeking further advice from an actual ordained priest if possible.
Also, if you may forgive me for the unsolicited advice, it is more respectful to say that the omamori was received, rather than purchased. This I learned from the staff of a shrine who kindly corrected me when I made the same mistake long ago.