Hagoita are some of the most popular traditional good luck charms for the Japanese New Year. The first hagoita appeared during the Edo period, originating from the paddles used for an old game, similar to badminton, called hanetsuki. Because the hitting move used in the game was similar to a move meaning “go away", the paddles begun to symbolize “driving away” evil spirits, so they became charms against evil.

Today, hagoita are sophisticated paddles, ornate with three-dimensional designs made of silk, Japanese paper and metal, representing a large range of auspicious characters such as kabuki scenes and actors, geisha or sumo wrestlers, and… even Hello Kitty.

Hagoita

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese New Year Decoration, Kagami-mochi