birthday ema set, 12 piece ema set with birthday flowers

Love Japanese Style Like We Do

A set of twelve beautiful Japanese ema, called Tsukinami Hana Mifuda. Each mifuda represents one of the twelve birthday months in a year. They are made of a thin hinoki wood (Japanese cypress) and feature a lovely screen print of a plant or flower. These good luck charms were made especially to protect your family and it is recommended that you display them in your home like decorative flowers.

Each monthly plant or flower has a special meaning.

January - features a pine tree branch wrapped in folded orange paper. The orange paper is tied with a special type of bow called a mizuhiki. A pine tree represents longevity, virtue, youth, endurance and power.

February - features gorgeous pink plum blossoms (ume) in white folded paper and tied with a special type of bow called a mizuhiki. Plum blossoms are a popular symbol in Japan, associated with new beginnings, good fortune, endurance, and the ability to overcome adversities.

March - a picture of peach blossoms (momo). The vibrant pink peach blossoms look lovely placed in a green Japanese bamboo vase. Peach blossoms are believed to ward off evil and are also a symbol of marriage.

April - features red azaleas (tsutsuji) in white folded paper tied with a special red and white bow called a mizuhiki. Azaleas are considered to be a reminder of good times at home and are often viewed as a symbol of femininity, womanhood and the beautiful things in life.

May - features shobu leaves (iris leaves) in bright blue paper tied with a special red and white bow called a mizuhiki. Shobu leaves keep bad spirits out and are believed to embody the Samurai spirit.

June - features two bamboo stalks with the bamboo leaves curving to the right. The two bamboo stalks are joined by a rope (shimenawa). Bamboo symbolizes prosperity.

July - features mulberry (kajinoha) leaves. Above the leaves is a type of mizuhiki (knot). The colors in the strands extending from the knot and hanging down to the bottom of the board - purple, white, red, green yellow and white - set off the leaves nicely. The mulberry leaf represents support, caring and self sacrifice.

August - features fringed pink flowers called nadeshiko or Yamato nadeshiko. The pink flowers amongst the green leaves look gorgeous sitting in a Japanese basket. Yamato nadeshiko embodies poise, decorum, kindness, gentleness, gratefulness, patience, virtue, respectfulness, benevolence, honesty, humbleness and faithfulness.

September - features a lovely silk screen picture of chrysanthemums (kiku) in a bright orange pouch. Chrysanthemums symbolize longevity and renewal.

October - features a branch of Japanese maple leaves (momiji or kaede) in their fall colors of red and orange. The branch is wrapped at the bottom with green paper and tied with a special white bow called mizuhiki. Maple leaves represent balance and practicality which fosters a sense of calm, restfulness and peace.

November - features Nanten (Nandina Domestica). Above the leaves is a type of mizuhiki (knot). The colors in the strands extending from the knot and hanging down to the bottom of the board - purple, white, red, green yellow and white - set the leaves and red berries off nicely. Nanten is associated with good fortune.

December - features a red camellia (tsubaki) with dark green leaves in white and green folded paper. The camellia symbolizes the divine. It is often used in religious and sacred ceremonies. It also represents the coming of spring.

Display these gorgeous lucky amulets in your home or give them to family or friends as beautiful birthday wishes.

- each one measures 20 cm (8”) x 5 cm (2”) and weighs 16 gm.

(listing for the set of twelve mifuda only)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read the notes in our shipping policy. 
- we use recycle packaging wherever possible and wrap for safety, rather than appearance!

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

TSUKINAMI HANA MIFUDA
A good luck amulet on a thin, long board. There is a different one for each month of the year and each one features either auspicious flowers of that month or leaves. It is said that if you hang one or more of these amulets inside your home, you are protected from evil and your house is kept pure!

MIZUHIKI
Mizuhiki is a Japanese art style by which washi paper strands are tied to make knots or bows of various shapes and colours. These knots are used for New Year decorations, births, wedding ceremonies, funeral services or other important occasions. The Mizuhiki knot is associated with the Japanese word ‘musubu’ meaning ‘connection’ or 'joining’. When you attach a Mizuhiki you are conveying warmth, connection and togetherness.

PINE TREES
The pine tree, or 'matsu' has always been significant in Japanese culture. It represents longevity, virtue, youth, masculinity and power. During the Edo Period (1600 - 1867), the samurai liked to use pine tree branches as a form of decoration on their swords and armour. To them, it represented masculinity. In ancient days the Shinto belief was that the gods moved to Heaven on a pine tree. It was believed that the gods lived in huge pine trees on a beautiful volcanic mountain. In Japan, pine trees also are used as a boundary for sacred temples or shrines.

The pine tree is often used in bonsai and many of these small trees live to be one hundred years old! The pine tree is displayed - with bamboo- at New Year in Japan in a decoration called a 'kadomatsu'. Kadomatsu are meant to be temporary dwelling places for the gods. The pine tree, an evergreen, symbolizes strength amidst adversity and the element of luck. Bamboo, because it sprouts quickly and straight upwards, also represents strength in overcoming hard times. In the latter part of January, kadomatsu are burned to appease and release the gods.

In March, 2011, there was a huge earthquake and tsunami in northeast Japan. It caused widespread destruction and devastation. A pine forest surrounding the city of Rikuzentakata was almost completely destroyed. Out of 70,000 pine trees, one pine tree survived. This tree has become a national symbol to the Japanese of resilience and determination to be strong and rebuild against all odds the areas destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami.

PLUM BLOSSOMS
In Japan the plum tree (ume) is the first to bud and blossom in the late winter, even when it’s limbs may remain snow-laden:  the plum gives us hope, showing us that spring and new opportunities for beauty and joy are just around the corner. Unfazed by the cold, the blossoms are associated with good health, strong endurance, and the ability to overcome the adversity of winter.

While hanami (flower-viewing festivals) are now associated with cherry blossoms, it was plum blossoms that first started this Japanese tradition. Plum blossom season became an event and the upper class would plan parties and events to behold the awakening trees.

In Japanese tradition, the plum tree is celebrated as a protective charm against evil, so the trees are traditionally planted in the northeast of the garden, the direction from which evil is believed to come.

As spring welcomes the farming season, plum blossoms also symbolize prosperity. Bountiful crop harvests and good fortune are likewise associated.

MOMO
It is believed that peach flowers (momo) came to Japan from China in the Yayoi period (300 BC–300 AD). The peach flowers blooms in spring, which is the season for many weddings. The peach flower is thought to symbolize marriage.

Momo (peach) trees are adored by Japanese people for their delicious fruit and pretty pink blossoms. Since ancient days it is believed that the peach tree drives away evil. One of the most famous traditional folktales is that of 'Momotaro' who floated to earth on a giant peach and defeated a band of evil demons.

AZALEAS
Azaleas bloom in Japan in April and May. The culture of viewing tsutsuji (azaleas) is very old in Japan and has a traditional significance. Since the old days, people have been writing about lovely azaleas in short poems called tanka. During the Edo period, azaleas were very popular and during that time many varieties were made. So, many of the azaleas we see today in parks, at shrines and along sidewalks were created over 300 years ago!

The azalea is considered to be a reminder of good times at home. And is also a reminder of the fragility of love. It is often viewed as a symbol of femininity, womanhood and the beautiful things in life.

BAMBOO
Bamboo (take), being a very strong plant with very sturdy roots is a symbol of prosperity in Japan. It is also a symbol of innocence and purity. Bamboo stalks are beautifully simple and unadorned. There is a saying in Japan that a man with a frank nature is like fresh split bamboo.

The subject of bamboo can be found in stories from ancient times. One famous story is The Princess Kaguya or The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. It is about a princess who is found inside a bamboo stalk. An old man and woman raise her and she grows into a beautiful young woman. She has many marriage proposals but she never gets married. Eventually, one evening when there is a full moon, she returns to the moon which is actually her birthplace.

Bamboo and bamboo grass (sasa) are often used in Japanese festivals to ward off evil. There is a special festival in Japan called Tanabata whereby people write their wishes on color strips of paper.

Bamboo, with pine and plum (sho-chiku-bai) make an auspicious combination and symbolize long life, strength and vitality. The bamboo stands for strength and flexibility, the pine represents longevity and endurance and the plum stands for a youthful spirit. The name Sho-chiku-bai is the name of a Japanese sake brand.

SHIMENAWA
Shimenawa is a special rope tied across or around an object or space to mark its sanctity or purity. Sometimes tassels are hung from the rope at intervals. Or streamers called shide, which are made from Japanese washi paper are hung from the rope. These shide are usually in the form of zig-zag shapes and are hung from the shimenawa to designate sacred places.

Shimenawa can be found at Japanese shrines under the eaves of the worship hall (haiden) and a shimenawa rope is often attached to the Japanese torii at the entrance of the shrine. Sacred trees (shinboku) are usually encircled with Shimenawa and in Japanese homes, there is often a shimenawa in front of the household shrine. New Year decorations feature shimenawa. It is usually used as the base of the decoration and is called shimekazari. The New Year decoration is often placed on the front door of the home to welcome god (kami).

SHOUBU
The name of these special leaves has sound as the word shoubu meaning Samurai spirit. Parents liked to use shoubu leaves for Boys' day decorations to wish their sons good health so they could grow into great Samurai. In the old days the pointed shape of the shoubu leaves reminded people of the shape of samurai swords. They believed that leaving the leaves in front of their homes would prevent evil spirits coming in. The shoubu leaves have a strong scent and are used even today to reduce backache and nerve pain. As in the old days, leaves are also put the bath on Children's Day. A bath with shoubu leaves is called a shoubu-yu.

MULBERRY LEAVES
The mulberry leaf represents support, caring and self sacrifice. The leaves play quite a role in Japanese culture. Paper vessels made from mulberry leaves are used when making offerings at Shinto Shrines. The mulberry leaf is often used in Japanese crests. In the old days, the leaves were very important also as a source of food for the silkworms that provided the fiber used to make kimonos for the ruling class.

NADESHIKO
Is the name of a frilled pink carnation. It is a delicate flower and the word 'nadeshiko' combined with the word 'Yamato” (ancient Japan), refers to traits found in an ideal Japanese woman in terms of pure and feminine beauty. Such beauty embodies poise, decorum, kindness, gentleness, gracefulness, patience, virtue, respectfulness, benevolence, honesty, humbleness and faithfulness. Nowadays, the term 'Yamato nadeshiko' has a nostalgic feel to it as it is referring to traits in a woman that are becoming rare in contemporary life. Currently, 'Nadeshiko Japan' is the name of the Japanese women's football team.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS
The chrysanthemum flower (kiku) in Japan symbolizes longevity and renewal. It also represents positive energy. If you want to make someone happy or bring them cheer, chrysanthemum flowers are a good choice. As this is a beautifully colored flower with a wonderful scent, you feel less stressed and much happier throughout the day if you have a few chrysanthemums around!

This flower is thought as an autumn flower in Japan and around November, you can visit kiku festivals and view some gorgeous varieties. Perhaps it is featured on the September amulet as a reminder that fall is just around the corner!

This flower came to Japan around 710 – 793 AC in the Nara period. It is the symbol of the Royal Family in Japan. The chrysanthemum is used widely in Japanese culture. There are more than 150 seals of this flower, the most famous being the Imperial seal. Japanese passports, also have this seal on the front cover.

MOMIJI and KAEDE
Kaede was the original name for the Japanese maple tree and momiji was traditionally for all kinds of autumn foliage, not just maple leaves. Eventually, the maple leaf became very popular and something like an icon in Japan. Then momoji became the word to refer to Japanese maple leaves.

Japanese momiji is just gorgeous in fall, turning into attractive shades of reds, orange and yellow. The Japanese momiji trees are regarded as a symbol of grace. Momoji also represents balance and practicality which fosters a sense of calm, restfulness and peace. The beautiful way the momioji branches spread naturally, inspires awe and wonder.

During fall in Japan, it is very popular to visit areas to see momiji leaves. This is called "momjigari". The popular places to view the fall leaves are in the cities of Nikko, Tochigi and Kyoto. In Japan, the tradition to view momiji in fall stared in the Heian era (794 to 1185).

The Japanese maple leaf motif is used in kimonos, art and family crests. For Japanese people the words momoji and kaede most always invoke a feeling of fall.

NANTEN
The Nanten plant (Nandina Domestica) is sometimes called "heavenly bamboo". It is not bamboo though, and in Japan, it is regarded as a member of the barberry family of evergreen plants. Nanten came to Japan from China before the 16th century and has grown naturally in the south and central areas of Japan ever since. It’s flowers bloom in June and last through July, then in November/ December, the Nanten plant bears bright red berries.

In Japan, Nanten is a popular plant for flower arrangements around New Year. It also has some medicinal properties. The kanji for "nan" in Nanten means troubles and "ten" means to turn over. In Japan, the plant has long been associated with promoting good fortune. Some people also say Nanten means "southern sky". Nanten is also used as an ornament for coming of age ceremonies. Pregnant women in the old days were known to place Nanten under their covers to ensure a safe birth.

CAMELLIAS
In Japan, the camellia flower is called tsubaki . The tsubaki symbolises the divine. It is often used in religious and sacred ceremonies. It also represents the coming of spring. Since this a December good luck amulet perhaps it is a reminder that after winter the refreshing breezes of spring will come! Red camellias can mean passion and desire and when mixed with pink can mean romantic love!

HINOKI WOOD
Hinoki is a type of cypress wood. Japanese cypress only grows in the Japanese region and is considered sacred by the Japanese. Hinoki has been used for centuries in Japan to build temples and shrines. It is a highly durable type of wood, very resistant to rotting and can absorb toxic substances. The ancient Horyuji temple was built of hinoki wood about 1,300 years ago and about 65% of it still remains to this day.

Currently, hinoki is used as a material for walls, flooring, wooden baths, blades, Japanese boxes (masu), furniture and cutting boards. Hinoki has a lovely luster and has a lovely aroma. It's aroma makes you feel relaxed, reduces stress and tiredness, and can positively stimulate the brain.