This "Kounwan Mamori" (Lucky Bay Charm) is an amulet that invites good fortune, based on the "Uso-dori" (bullfinch) used in our shrine's special ritual "Uso-kae," held annually on January 14th and 25th. The phrase associated with it is "May my past misfortunes be turned into lies and replaced with good fortune." The bullfinch is said to turn bad things into "lies" (uso) and make them good. In the Edo period, many people would gather and exchange bullfinches. Currently, people offer their old bullfinches to the shrine and exchange them for new ones. Furthermore, because the character for bullfinch (鷽 - uso) resembles the character for learning (學 - gaku), it is believed to have a deep connection with Tenjin-sama, the god of learning. Thank you for viewing.