noun
ceremonial arrow to ward off evil
A decorative arrow sold at Shinto shrines during New Year's, believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. Often displayed in the home.
正月に神社で破魔矢を買った。
I bought a ceremonial arrow at the shrine during New Year's.
破魔矢を玄関に飾ると魔除けになると言われている。
It is said that displaying a hamaya at the entrance wards off evil.
A general term for warding off evil; 破魔矢 is a specific type of 魔除け item.
From 破魔 (driving away evil) + 矢 (arrow). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is associated with New Year's traditions at Shinto shrines.