Engimono mascots in traditional Japanese culture: semantics and functions

The article analyzes the semantics and functions of engimono mascots in Japanese traditional culture. The relevance of the study is determined by the process acceleration of leveling, depersonalization of original cultures, which leads to the depreciation of the historical heritage of generations. The paper examines a peculiar system of «lucky charms», describes their figurative, symbolic, associative characteristics, ethnocultural specificity in the context of religious and mythological views of the Japanese. It is emphasized that engimono mascots reflect the cultural experience of past generations associated with animistic beliefs, religious beliefs, myths, legends, folklore, domestic culture and agricultural rituals. The author draws a conclusion about the syncretism of ideas about the essence and functionality of the enigimono. The commercialization of religious forms has led to the fact that the engimono, despite its widespread use, is perceived not as sacred objects, but as a tribute to tradition.