How should you dispose of an omikuji in Japan this New Year?

Omikuji are fortunes written on strips of paper that are drawn from a box at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan.

They are most in demand during the New Year period, with people hoping to receive good fortune in their future.

If you’re planning to go draw an omikuji this year, you’ll likely need to know how to dispose of it without ruining your luck. So, exactly how should you discard your omikuji?

Drawing your omikuji

The steps to drawing an omikuji at a shrine or temple are simple: 

• Make a small offering (the amount required will be noted near the omikuji drawing boxes).
• Draw a stick with a number on it from a box.
• Check the number on the stick.

Once you’ve drawn your stick, most temples and shrines will normally use one of two methods to receive your omikuji:

• Most shrines have a series of cabinets containing omikuji. You should take an omikuji from the drawer corresponding with the number on your stick.
• Some shrines have a staff member who will check your number and provide you with your omikuji.

Omikuji can tell you about your luck in general and can often be specific to areas like your health, job, love life, and travels. They also give you general advice on how to make the best of your future.

It’s not always good tidings though – you may draw bad luck, however there is fortunately a way to try and dispel the bad tidings.

Once you have received your fortune, the next step is to work out how to dispose of it respectfully.

How to dispose of an omikuji

The traditional belief is that you should tie your omikuji to one of the wires provided at the shrine or temple where you drew it, if it predicts bad luck.

If you’ve received good luck, many people will choose to take them home to keep the good tidings close to them until they come to fruition.

There is however no definitive rule on whether to tie or take home an omikuji. It often depends on the specific shrine or temple. Regardless of your choice, you should treat the Omikuji with respect.

Tying your omikuji

If you’re tying your omikuji, do so at the designated spot within the shrine grounds. At most shrines this is usually a series of wires on a frame or between wooden posts.

This act symbolizes a connection with the deities. You can also leave it at the designated offering area.

If you previously took an omikuji home and no longer need it, you can return it to the same shrine or temple, either by tying it or leaving it in the offering boxes.

Many people believe that tying omikuji to tree branches strengthens their wishes, as the trees are believed to possess strong life force.

Likewise, many also believe that a good way to dispose of a fortune suggesting bad luck is to tie it to a tree so that the tree becomes the subject of the predicted misfortune.

Taking your omikuji home

If you choose to take your omikuji home, you should keep it safe throughout the year or until the luck has come to pass.

You can carry it in your bag or wallet, or store it at home in a kamidana (home altar) or a desk drawer.

Disposing of your omikuji

If you take your omikuji home, there are several recommended ways to dispose of it respectfully.

Dondo-yaki (Bonfire Ritual):

• Participate in a Dondo-yaki ceremony at a Shinto shrine. These are typically held in mid-January.
• Wrap your omikuji in washi (Japanese paper), hansi (plain paper), or place it in an envelope before burning it as part of the ceremony.

At a Shrine or Temple:

• Dispose of your omikuji in the offering boxes found at shrines or temples. There are specific boxes for old omikuji, charms, and other religious items.
• Consider making a small donation at the same time to show your respect.

As burnable trash:

• Most non-recyclable trash in Japan is split into separate trash collections for burnable and non-burnable items.

• If you cannot visit a shrine or temple, you can dispose of your omikuji as burnable trash.
• Before discarding it, purify the omikuji with salt.
• Wrap the omikuji and some salt in washi, hansi or an envelope, before adding it to your burnable trash.

Generally speaking, most people will not look to dispose of an omikuji as trash as it could be considered to make bad luck worse, or turn good luck to bad.

Handle with care and dispose with gratitude

If you receive an omikuji fortune it can offer valuable insights and guidance. Reflect on its message when you face challenges or uncertainties.

When the time comes to dispose of your omikuji, whatever method you choose, it is important to do so with gratitude and respect for the guidance it provided.