Magatama

link=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Magatamarm.jpg|thumb|Necklace of jade  from a Japanese burial
Magatama (勾玉) are a type of bead from Japan. They are very old. They come from Ancient Japan. Magatama have been found in archaeological sites dating back to the Jōmon period (circa 14,000–300 BCE) and were used as decorative jewellery, ceremonial objects, and symbols of status and power. They are usually made out of jade.

In Shinto, magatama are seen as sacred objects that can house kami. They are often used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke divine protection and blessings. The shape of the magatama is thought to symbolize the soul, the yin-yang concept, or the moon, although interpretations vary.

 History 
Magatama first appeared during the Jōmon period and continued to be used through the Yayoi period (300 BCE–300 CE) and Kofun period (250–538 CE). In these periods, they were often buried in tombs with dead people. This means they were probably seen as important for the afterlife. During the Kofun period, magatama were frequently found in burial mounds.

 Yasakani no Magatama 
Yasakani-no-Magatama is one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan, along with the sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi and the mirror Yata no Kagami. These three items are believed to represent the legitimacy and authority of the Emperor of Japan.

 Modern Use 
Today, magatama are still made and worn as jewelry, often as necklaces or bracelets. They are also used in various traditional crafts and are popular as souvenirs and charms believed to bring good fortune.

 Related pages 

 Jōmon period
 Yayoi period
 Kofun period
 Imperial Regalia of Japan

References

Category:Jewelry
Category:Japanese words and phrases
Category:Shinto religious objects