The Deep Meaning Behind the Inverted Heart!

As I prepare for this year’s Japan Expo, I strongly felt the desire to showcase pieces that abundantly incorporate Japanese culture!

So, I decided to have my amigurumi hold small, cute “mari” (traditional Japanese handballs).

However… These “mari” turned out to be turned out even cuter than expected (laughs), and I was inspired to turn them into charms to share with even more people! To learn more about the mari, please check out the article below.

あわせて読みたい

Delivering a Little Bit of Luck from Japan for Your Christmas Present Hello! I'm Toki, an amigurumi creator. When you think of Japan, images of cherry blossoms, kimonos, and sushi might come to mind. However, within the rich Ja...

In addition to the mari, I used “tsumami zaiku” (traditional Japanese fabric folding craft) to create a heart shape. it appears just like an inverted heart♡

Why did I choose to make a heart with tsumami zaiku? Why is the heart inverted? Let me explain here☆

What is Tsumami Zaiku?

I’ve explained tsumami zaiku in a separate article .
I’d be delighted if you could check out that article as well☆

あわせて読みたい

About “Tsumami Zaiku” Used in My Works In the "Amigurumi" (Japanese crochet or knitted stuffed toys) and "Mari Ball Charms" (decorative ball-shaped charms inspired by traditional Japanese handball...

The Meaning of the Inverted Heart

Actually, the inverted heart has a deep meaning! In Japan, when you look closely at an inverted heart, it resembles a “boar’s eye”.

Derived from “inome” (boar’s eye), it carries the hidden meaning of “a charm to ward off evil and bring good fortune”.

Why a Boar?

In Japan, the boar is considered the “God of the Mountain” and is seen as an auspicious animal. Besides warding off evil, boar piglets are also said to be “a sign of good luck”. The boar is associated with many wonderful meanings, such as the boar is associated with many wonderful meanings, such as the deities of financial fortune, traffic safety, and safe childbirth.

Are Inverted Hearts Scattered All Over Japan!?

The inverted heart (inome) is used almost without exception in traditional Japanese architecture. For example, you can find it where roof tiles overlap, or in metal decorations called “butsugu” or “kazari kanagu” that hide the joints of wood.

In Conclusion

Using the very auspicious “inverted heart” in the “mari charm” makes it “the ultimate charm”, doesn’t it? (laughs) I really hope you’ll have the chance to see and hold them at the Japan Expo venue. May lots of “good fortune” spread to everyone☆