ceremonial bow to drive off evil; toy bow and arrow
A traditional Japanese bow used in rituals to ward off evil spirits; also given as a toy to boys during the New Year or at the first Boy's Festival (Tango no Sekku).
A hamayumi is a lucky charm given to boys on their first Boy's Festival.
I observed a ceremony at the shrine where a hamayumi was dedicated.
The name is associated with New Year archery: はま formerly denoted a round target, while the spelling 破魔 “destroying evil” reflects the bow’s later apotropaic interpretation.