BUDDHIST SYMBOLS

Prayer Wheel (Mani Wheel, Chokor)

Tibetan prayer wheels are devices consisting of a spinning

cylinder containing copies of the sacred mantra Om Mani Padme Hum
(mantra of Chenrezig), written in ancient Tibetan script. It is believed that
repeating this mantra accumulates spiritual merit. The prayer wheel
functions as an amplifier of sorts, endlessly repeating the mantra as it turns.
Small prayer wheels are carried in the hand; a weighted cord aids in turning.
Wheels are also hung or placed where they will rotate in the wind or water-
some monasteries have enormous stone wheels for the purpose. Some are
disks or plates, somewhat like a record album, designed to be viewed from
above. Modern takes include digital prayer wheels, wherein the phrase is
written to a computers spinning hard drive disks!

Related Symbols:

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Om Mani Padme Hum

The mantra Om Mani Padme Hum (literally: Aum, to the

Jewel in the Lotus, hum) is recited by Tibetan Buddhists to invoke Chenrezi,
the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Repeating this mantra accumulates merit
and eases negative karma; meditating upon it is believed to purify the mind
and body. Spinning prayer wheels, physical or digital, are believed to confer
the same benefit as speaking the mantra. It is often recited with the aid of a
mala (string of prayer beads.) You can read more about the Om Mani Padme

Hum mantra from the Dalai Lama. Related Symbols:

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Tomoe (Mitsu tomoe, Futatsu tomoe, Tomoe-mon, Fire-wheel)

This symbol is ubiquitous on Buddhist and Shinto temples all over

Japan. Its name is tomoe, meaning turning or circular, referring to the
motion of the earth. The tomoe is related to the yin yang symbol, and has a
similar meaning, representing the play of forces in the cosmos. Visually, the
tomoe is made up of interlocked flames (or magatama) resembling tadpoles.

The most common tomoe emblem has three flames (triple, or

mitsu tomoe), but one, two, or four are not uncommon. A mitsu- tomoe
reflects the threefold division of Shinto cosmology, and is said to represent
the earth, the heavens, and humankind. It is often associated with the
Shinto war deity Hachiman.

A tomoe-mon is a tomoe used as a kamon, or family crest, a device similar

to a coat of arms.

Pronunciation: toh-moh-ay

Related Symbols:

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Kalachakra (Wheel of Time, Tenfold Powerful One, Ten-fold Seed
Syllable)

The kalachakra seed syllable is a complex Buddhist

emblem symbolizing the Kalachakra, or wheel of time. the seven intertwined
letters (rendered in Lantsa, a Buddhist version of Sanskrit used for mantras
and sacred texts) represent the seven words of the kalachakra mantra-
Ham Ksha Ma La Va Ra Ya. The seven letters, combined with the crescent
and full moons and the nada (wisp), make up the ten elements that give the
emblem its name.

Related Symbols:

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Daruma Doll (Daruman)

An image of Daruma, or Bodhidharma (Daruma is short for Bodai

Daruma, the Japanese rendering of the name), the founder of Zen Buddhism
(Chan Buddhism), used throughout Japan as good luck talismans. The round
shape of the dolls reflect an old legend: as the story goes, Daruma achieved
Satori (enlightenment) after meditating in a cave for many years without
moving. As a result, his arms and legs atrophied, accounting for the rounded
appearance of the doll. He is also supposed to have cut off his eyelids off in
frustration after dozing off during meditation, which is why so many portraits
of the saint depict him with large, staring eyes.

Daruman dolls are usually made of paper mache, weighted on the bottom so
they always stand up, even when pushed- symbolic of Bodhidharmas
persistence in meditation. Daruman figures are a common New Year tradition
in Japan, where they are used to aid one in achieving goals. Daruman
figures are sold without eyes- when a new doll is brought home, it is
customary to color an eye with a black marker. When ones goal is reached,
or a resolution fulfilled, the other eye is colored in, and the figure is usually
returned to a shrine and burnt. Some buy a larger doll with each fulfilled
wish, beginning with a very small doll and working up.

Related Symbols:

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Mala/Juzu (Buddhist Prayer Beads)

Mala (Tibetan prayer beads) are strings of beads used as an aid

to prayer and the recitation of mantras in the Buddhist religion, much as a
Catholic rosary is used (both share name similarity as well- both rosary and
mala refer to garlands of flowers). A mala is held in the hand and rotated,
one bead at a time, while mantras are recited. Beads of varying number and
material are used for various purposes: crystal for clearing obstacles, bone
for subduing demons, etc.
A kapala-mala is a mala string made of skulls carved from human bone.

Pure Land and other Buddhist traditions use a double-fringed

strand of beads called juzu (counting beads) or nenju (thought beads).
These typically consist of 108 small beads symbolizing the 108 earthly
desires which must be overcome; some have larger focal beads to represent
the Bodhisattvas.

Juzu are used for prayers in much the same way as a Catholic rosary, or may
simply be held during meditation or contemplation. *A Bodhisattva (Sanskrit,
essence of enlightenment) is a highly spiritually developed being who stops
short of Buddhahood in order to aid others in attaining enlightenment.

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ENSO

The enso (circle) is the emblem of Zen Buddhism. A simple

circle drawn with a single, broad brushstroke, it is a symbol of infinity, and
represents the infinite void, the no-thing, the perfect meditative state, and
Satori (enlightenment.)

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Footprint of the Buddha (Buddhapada, Buddas Feet)

The footprint of the Buddha is represents the Buddhas teachings,

and his continued (symbolic) presence on earth. Paradoxically, they are also
viewed as reminders of the Buddhas absence, and the Buddhist ideal of
detachment. The emblem is most likely modeled on the Vedic tradition of
venerating the feet of deities; similar emblems exist honoring Vishnu and
other Hindu gods. In many places, the Buddhapada marks a place where
the Buddha is believed to have visited in his lifetime; these are venerated as
holy places.

Buddhapada with auspicious symbols

Related Symbols:

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Jizo, Jizou (Ksitigarbha)

A fairly typical image of Jizo, a Japanese form of the Buddhist

Bodhisattva* (Bosatsu) Ksitigarbha. He is depicted throughout Asia as a
simple, childlike monk, but he is especially venerated in Japan as a protector
of the souls of children and the unborn. It is common to see Jizo figures all
over Japan, especially along roadsides and paths. Offerings are left with the
icons, most commonly caps or bibs, flowers, and stones, often pleas to
reduce the suffering of children. Jizos staff (shakujo) is a traditional monks
walking stick, hung with metal rings, ostensibly to warn away animals on the
road for the mutual protection of man and creature alike.

*A Bodhisattva (Sanskrit, essence of enlightenment) is a highly spiritually

developed being who stops short of Buddhahood in order to aid others in
attaining enlightenment.

Related Symbols:

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Kartika (Drigug, Grigug)

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Kartika, or Drigug, is a ritual flaying

knife used in burial rituals, with the handle crafted as a dorje. A tool of the
wrathful female deities known as Dakinis (sky dancers), the kartika
symbolizes the cutting away of all things material, symbolized by the human
body. Like the phurba and other Tibetan Buddhist implements, the kartika is
a likely remnant of pre-Buddhist pagan practices.

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Dorje (Vajra, Diamond Scepter)

Dorje in Tibetan means indestructible. The Dorje is the Tibetan

Buddhist equivalent of the double terminated Hindu ritual tool known as the
Vajre, or thunderbolt. The Vajra represents masculine force, sudden
inspiration, the cutting of ignorance and illusion. In Buddhist rituals it is
always paired with the singing bell, or Ghanta, its feminine counterpart. The
spoked ends represent the closing of the spokes of the wheel of Samsara;
the attainment of enlightenment.

A ritual gesture is performed crossing the tools over the chest, representing
union of the male and female principals. As ritual tools, they are similar in
symbolism to the chalice and dagger used in Wicca and ritual magick. A
double Dorje, or vishvavajra, is two dorjes crossed, as pictured above, the
emblem of Amoghshiddhi, the fifth Dhyani Buddha. It represents stability
and impenetrability, and is often used on the doorways of temples, or placed
under meditation cushions. Both the Dorje and the Vishvavajra are forged
from meteorite metal. This is likely due to the emblems early (pre-Buddhist)
associations with lightning deities.

Typical Vajra/Dorje wand

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Wisdom Eyes of Buddha (Bodhnath temple eyes)

Often found painted on the Stupas of Tibetan Buddhism,

this symbol represents the all seeing eyes of the Buddha, a symbol of the
omnipresent compassion of the Bodhisattvas. The small dot depicted
between the eyes represents the third eye, a symbol of spiritual awakening.
The curious squiggle between the eyes is the Sanskrit numeral one,
symbolizing the unity of all things.

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Kapala (Skull Cup, Thod-pa)

 In Tibetan Buddhism the kapala or thod-pa (both meaning
skull cup) is a highly decorated cup or bowl made from a human skull for
ritual use, and represents the symbolic destruction of evil entities. The cup is
used to hold offerings of bread or wine, symbolizing blood and flesh, to
wrathful deities. The kapala, like many implements of Tibetan Buddhism,
may be a carryover from ancient practices of human sacrifice.

When creating a kapala, a skull is specially collected, prepared, and

elaborately anointed and consecrated before use. Many are decorated with
carvings, jewels, or silverwork. The kapala is one of several charnel ground
implements made from human bone.

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Yab-Yum (Father-Mother)

The traditional Tibetan Buddhist Yab-yum (literally, father-

mother) image of two deities in an overtly sexual posture is meant to be
shocking, but not in the way one might suppose. A yab-yum icon is a
meditational tool, one of many seemingly contradictory images of sex or
death used to achieve the insight that leads to spiritual liberation. There are
several types of yab-yum, each depicting a tantric deity (compassion) in
sexual union with his consort. (wisdom), each with its own layers of
additional symbolism. Like the Hindu Shatkona or the Taoist yin-yang, the
image represents dual forces in union, which united, create a transcendent
unity. Despite appearances, the yab-yum is not related in any way to sexual

practices. Related Symbols:

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Tibetan Ritual Bell (Ghanta, Dril bu, Singing bell)

Ghanta in Tibetan means bell. The Ghanta is a Tibetan Buddhist ritual tool;
it is always paired in Tantric rituals with the Dorje. The Ghanta represents
feminine power, wisdom, receptiveness, and the voice of the Buddha. The
base of the ghanta is always round, and the handle is always topped with a
closed vajra (dorje). In the handle is a depiction of Prajnaparamita (Perfect
wisdom), a symbolic representation of the collective wisdom of the
Buddhas. A ritual gesture is performed crossing the ghanta and dorje over
the chest, representing completeness in the union of the male and female
principles.

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Endless Knot (Shrivatsa)

The endless knot or shrivatsa is one of the eight auspicious

signs, symbolizing the eight-fold paths of Buddhism. The knot, also known
as the mystic dragon, is a symbol of eternity and unity. From ancient times,
such knots were commonly found in decorations on fabric and on the
exterior of buildings, under the common belief that the endless looping of
the designs confused evil spirits and prevented them from entering homes.
The knot is called the dragon knot because it is believed to have evolved
over time from images of protective nagas or dragons.

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CONCH
The shankha or conch-shell is a traditional Vedic instrument. Like the shofar
of Judaism, it is used originally as a war-horn, and later, as a ritual
sounding-instrument. Its sound is believed to banish fear and evil spirits,
and causes enemies to tremble. In Vedic belief, it is an attribute of Vishnu
and a number of other deities.

In Tibetan Buddhism, the conch is one of the eight Auspicious Symbols

(Ashtamangala) representing the paths of Buddhism, and represents the
voice of the Buddha and the truth of the dharma. Both Vedic and Buddhist
tradition differentiates between shells whose spirals turn clockwise (in the
direction of the sun) and counter-clockwise; the right-turning conch being
more auspicious.

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Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism: Parasol

Buddhist, one of the ashtamangala (eight auspicious signs,

symbolizing the eight-fold paths of Buddhism. The canopy symbolizes
preservation and protection of the dharma against suffering and sorrow. The
parasol is an ancient emblem of wealth and status, patterned after the
decorative canopies which have been traditionally used to protect and cover
royalty. The parasol can also be viewed as a sort of axis mundi, a symbolic
tree of life, and can be likened to the sacred Bodhi tree.

Lotus (Padme)

The Lotus is one of the eight auspicious signs of Buddhism- an

eight petaled lotus used in Buddhist mandalas symbolizes cosmic harmony, a
thousand petaled lotus, spiritual illumination. A bud symbolizes potential.
The well known Buddhist mantra, Om mane padme, refers to the jewel in
the lotus, the spark of enlightenment present in every living being. The
lotus symbol in Buddhism is of course drawn from thousands of years of use
in Vedic religion, where it symbolizes purity, illumination, and unfolding
potential. As in Egyptian symbolism, the lotus is observed to rise from a tiny
seed in the mud to unfold into a beautiful bloom as it reaches the sunlit
surface, making it a natural emblem of growth and transformation. The
thousand-petaled lotus is the emblem of the highest spiritual attainment, the
opening of the crown chakra at the top of the head that occurs when
kundalini energy moves through the purified chakras. The lotus in both
Hinduism and Buddhism serves as the seat of wisdom for gods and
illuminated beings. The earliest prayer-beads were made from the dried
seeds of the lotus. Color symbolism in Buddhism: The lotus in Buddhism
has numerous aspects according to its color and the numeration of its petals.
An eight-petaled lotus represents the ashtamangals, or eight auspicious
symbols that embody the eight principles of the Dharma (sacred law). A
white lotus symbolizes purity and spiritual perfection. A red lotus, passion
and love. A blue lotus bud is an emblem of intelligence and communication.
A pink lotus is the emblem of transcendence.

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Phurba (Phurbha, Phurpa, Kila)

The Phurba is a special triple sided Tibetan ritual dagger or

stake, patterned after an ancient Vedic tool which originated as a ritual stake
used to tether sacrificial animals. It is used ritually to create stability and
areas of protected space, often staked into the ground in circles prior to
rituals. Only one initiated into its use may possess a phurbha, all others are
forbidden.

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Golden Fishes (Suvarna Matsya)

The golden fishes are one of the eight auspicious signs in Buddhist
iconography, wherein they represent joy, freedom, and fearlessness. In Vedic
(Hindu) tradition, the fish is the first incarnation of the god Vishnu, two
fishes together symbolized the sacred Ganges and Yamuna rivers, and later,
the twin channels of ida and pingala, through which pranic energy moves
through the body. In Chinese folk belief, a pair of fish are considered a lucky
gift for married couples.
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Dharma Wheel (Dharmachakra, Wheel of Law)

The dharma chakra (literally, wheel of Law) Buddhist

emblem resembling a wagon wheel, with eight spokes, each representing
one of the eight tenets of Buddhist belief. The circle symbolizes the
completeness of the Dharma, the spokes represent the eightfold path
leading to enlightenment: Right faith, right intention, right speech, right
action, right livelihood, right endeavor, right mindfulness, and right
meditation. It is drawn from an Indian symbol, but instead of representing
Samsara, or endless rebirth, it symbolizes overcoming obstacles. The
Dharma wheel is one of the eight Ashtamangala, or auspicious symbols of
Tibetan Buddhism. Sometimes, the wheel is flanked by deer, which refer to
the deer park in which the Buddha is said to have given his first sermon.

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STUPA

A Stupa is a tower or steeple erected atop Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist

temples and tombs, sometimes erected as a standalone monument. The
stupa is a symbol for the elementary organization of the universe according
to Hindu cosmology. A stupa is composed of four parts (from the base, up),
symbolizing the five tattwas, or elements:

Earth
Air

Fire

Water

Spirit/Aethyr

Elemental makeup of the stupa

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Triratna, (Tiratana, Tisarana, Triple Gem, Three Treasures, Threefold
Refuge)

The tiratana is Buddhist emblem symbolizing the three jewels, or

refuges of Buddhism. The symbolism is likely drawn from the Vedic trisula,
which has similar interpretations.

The three Refuges are: the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings of the
Buddha), and the Sangha (the community of believers), as well as additional
layers of symbolism, such as:

The three virtues of the Buddha:wisdom, purity, compassion

The three parts of the Pali Canon, or Tripitaka (three collections, the
earliest Buddhist canon), which includes the Vinaya, guidelines for behavior,
Sutra, discourses and stories of the Buddha, and Abhidharma, Metaphysical
teachings.

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Trisula (Trishula, Trident of Shiva)

Trisula means trident. The Trisula (or, trishula) is the

three-pronged sacred weapon of the Hindu deity Shiva. In a general sense,
the trisula represents the deity in his three aspects of Creator, Preserver, and
Destroyer. The symbolism od the trisula is similar to that of the Buddhist
triratna; its three prongs represent the various triplicities in Shaivism (Shiva
worship), including the three principles of pasa (Lordship, the divinity of
Shiva), pasu (mans base animal nature), and pasa (bondage, including

illusion and karmic debt) central to Shaivite doctrine. The

three also represent the three shaktis (powers): will, action, and wisdom,
and the three main nadis (energy channels) ida, pingala, and shushumna,
which allow kundalini energy to travel through the chakras. In Buddhism, the
trisula is usually found atop the dharmachakra, rather than a lance, and has
the same meaning as the triratna.

Confucian, Folk, Taoist Symbols:

The Pa Kua are the eight trigrams described in the I Ching; the
combinations of whole and broken lines represent the constantly fluctuating
elemental forces of the universe: Pa Kua also refers to a wooden hexagram
containing the eight trigrams with a mirrored center, which is hung over doorways
as a protective charm. This device is popular with practitioners of Feng Shui. The
Ba-gua is also used as the logo of the Dharma initiative on the television drama
Lost.

Yin Yang (Yab Yam, Taiji)

The yin yang is the easily recognized Taoist symbol of the

interplay of forces in the universe. In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang
represent the two primal cosmic forces in the universe. Yin (moon) is the
receptive, passive, cold female force. Yang (sun) is masculine-force,
movement, heat. The Yin Yang symbol represents the idealized harmony of
these forces; equilibrium in the universe. In ancient Taoist texts, white and
black represent enlightenment and ignorance, respectively.
Maneki Neko (Maneke Neko, Lucky Cat)

This is Maneke Neko, the ubiquitous beckoning cat. She is

used as a good luck charm, and is found in many homes and businesses
throughout Japan, where she is expected to bring prosperity. Maneki comes
in several colors; some of these have additional meanings- black Nekos
protect against evil; red protects from spirits or illness. Modern versions
come in a variety of colors- gold for money, pink for love, and so on.

There are various stories about the origin of Maneke Neko. The most popular
tales involve a cat who belongs to a poor but generous Monk. In the story,
the cat variously welcomes a wealthy man in from the rain, or saves his life;
the grateful rich man bequeaths his fortune to the temple. Eventually, the
cat dies, and the grateful monk creates the Maneki Neko as a memorial
statue.

Hotei (Ho Ti, Laughing Buddha, Maitreya)

A typical Taoist image of Hotei, one of the seven Japanese

gods of good fortune (Shichi Fukujin). He is usually depicted as a smiling
Buddhist monk, often with a fan and a sack of gifts or gold bars. A patron of
children and the less fortunate, Hote is often pictured surrounded by
laughing children. Figures of Ho Ti are often kept as good luck charms. Hotei
is often thought to be a representation of Chinese Buddhist teacher Budaishi,
and as Budaishi was believed by devotees to be the incarnation of Matreiya,
the future Buddha who is to come, Hotei is often considered synonymous
with Maitreya. It is there fore not uncommon (although confusing) to find
Hotei

I Ching

A hexagram figure from the I Ching. The basic divination

system of the I Ching is comprised of eight trigrams; these represent the
ever-changing elemental forces of the universe. Each trigram represents a
direction, and element, an animal, etc. The trigrams are combined to form
sixty-four hexagrams; the combined meanings constitute a detailed system
of divination

Chan Chu (Money Toad, Money Frog, Moon-Frog)

This iconic image of three-legged toad Chan Chu jealously

guarding treasure is regarded as a prosperity charm the world over. Chan
Chu is a character from Chinese folklore, the companion of the Taoist
immortal Liu-Hai.* Chan-chu was a mythical beast who provided the sage
instantaneous transportation. As the legend goes, the toad frequently sought
the cool darkness of wells, and could only be lured from such sanctuary with
a string baited with coins. The symbolism of the well is probably an allusion
to reflection, as Chan Chu is a personification of the moon, his three legs
symbolic of its three phases. In some stories, she is the wife of an immortal
who steals an elixr of immortality and is punished by being transformed into
a toad. Small statuettes of Chan Chu are frequent components of Feng Shui
prescriptions for prosperity and luck. These are traditionally placed inside the
doorway of a home of business, facing inward.
Shou (Chou)
 One of many popular variations of the ubiquitous Shou or chou,

a Chinese ideogram of ancient origin meaning long life. This

auspicious symbol can be found inscribed on amulets, clothing, furniture,
pottery, tools, decorative items, and, especially, wedding gifts, and is
probably meant to represent the divine peach of immortality, the emblem of
the God Shou-Hsing, who controlled human destiny.

I Ching Coin (Amulet Coin, Feng Shui Coin)

A typical example of an antique (or, more commonly, a

reproduction) Chinese I Ching coin popularly used as an amulet, in Feng
Shui cures, and for using in I Ching divination.

The circular shape and square hole of the antique chines coins are said to
represent heaven and earth, respectively. The coins are used in a variety of
ways in the practice of feng shui to promote wealth and prosperity, and are
often bound together to create intricate amulets.

Wu Xing (Five Elements)

 The figure at left is the Kanji (alphabetic character) Mizu,
representing the element of water. The water kanji is sometimes used as an
unofficial symbol for adherents of the moral/philosophical system of
Confucianism.

The remaining four elements in the ancient Chinese alchemical system are:

wood/ fire/ earth/ metal/

In Chinese philosophy, the Wu Xing (five elements) represent five states

of matter which are constantly in flux. Each of the five elements effects the
other four in unique ways. Wood feeds fire, which creates earth (ash). Earth
produces metal, which channels water (pipes, buckets, etc.). Water
nourishes wood and begins the cycle again. This is generally referred to as
the generating sequence, one of many interrelationships between the
elements.

The elemental cycle

Another significant interaction is known as the controlling sequence, and

operates much like a game of rock, paper, scissors. Fire conforms metal,
water quenches fire, etc. The cycles of the elements is represented by a
pentagrammatic diagram, and the interplay of the five underpins many
disparate branches of Chinese spirituality, including Feng Shui, Martial art
traditions, and Chinese medicine.

Double Happiness

The gourd is an ancient Taoist symbol of longevity and good

health, but also a symbol of release. It is the emblem of Li Tie Guai, one of
eight immortals of Taoist mythology. Li Tie Guai was a powerful magician
who possessed not only the secret to immortality, but the ability to travel
outside his body. Li carried the elixr of immortality in a gourd, which is an
allegory for the body as the container of the soul. The gourd is known as the
precious gourd in Feng Shui, and considered a receptacle of good fortune.
Curiously, the gourd also symbolizes resurrection and life in Christian
theology. The gourd shelters the unfortunate Jonah, and is viewed as an
allegorical symbol of the resurrection of Christ.

Double Happiness

This character, most commonly referred to as Double

Happiness, is in fact the Chinese word for happiness, Shiang Tzi, written
twice. This emblem is used by Feng Shui practitioners as a charm to improve
marital relations and as an all around good luck talisman. It is commonly
seen on wedding goods, holiday favors, etc. In Feng Shui, the emblem is
typically placed in the relationship sector of the home, or where it will be
the first thing viewed by a newlywed couple. The image is often decorated
with lucky animals or hearts. Some variations on the character:

Shinto Symbols:

Omamori (O-mamori, Lucky Charm)

Omamori (Japanese, blessed protector) are the

ubiquitous amulets one receives in exchange for a donation to one of Japans
Shinto or Buddhist temples. Omamori are usually small, folded paper or
fabric packets* ritually consecrated in the temple. They are typically made
with the name of the originating temple on the front and a charm on the
back for prosperity, health, travel, or a multitude of other purposes. Amulets
do not expire, but it is common practice to replace them, usually once a
year. Old omamori are usually returned to the temple to be burned. * Some
omamori can be quite complex, or made of fancier materials such as wood,
bone, or metals.
Torii Gate (O-Torii)

The gate to a Shinto shrine (Jinja), the Torii designates holy

ground. As Shinto is a religion of worship of nature spirits, or Kami, most
Shinto shrines are located outdoors. The Gate marks the boundary between
the physical and spiritual worlds, and is often the only indication that one is
entering a shrine. The Torii is traditionally made in three pieces, three being
a sacred number of the Kami. When entering a shrine, a visitor will clap their
hands three times, and bow three times to summon the spirits before
offerings are made or ritual performed.
Magatama

The magatama is a very ancient emblem of Japanese identity.

The original matagama were small, animal-tooth shaped amulets made of
stone (usually jade), bone, or horn. These small ornaments appear in
Japanese and Korean burial sites from around 1000 BCE, and might have
served as status symbols.

According to Shinto legend, a necklace of magatama (Yasakani no Magatama

) was among the items hung outside the cave of the sun goddess
Amaterasu, and is counted among the three treasures of the Japanese
imperial regalia: