卯う杖づえ

noun

tree branch used as a charm against evil

Historical term for a branch, often of plum or willow, used in ancient Japanese rituals to ward off evil spirits, particularly during the New Year.

• 卯う杖づえは、平へい安あん時じ代だいの宮きゅう中ちゅう行ぎょう事じで使つかわれたと伝つたえられている。

  It is said that 卯杖 were used in court rituals during the Heian period.