1.
votive tablet; wishing plaque
A small wooden plaque sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples on which worshippers write their prayers or wishes. Originally depicted horses as offerings to the gods.
Etymology
絵 (picture) + 馬 (horse)
Originally, real horses were donated to shrines. Later, pictures of horses were substituted, eventually evolving into wooden tablets.
Usage
1. Purchase an 絵馬 at the shrine/temple
2. Write your wish on the back
3. Hang it at the designated place
Designs
Ema often feature
- The shrine's deity or symbol
- The current year's zodiac animal
- Anime/manga characters (at some shrines)