Hamayumi has the meaning of warding off evil. It has been used in Shrines for a long time. It is said that Hamayumi has been popular among people since the middle of the Heian period(about 800~1200).

 "Meigen"-The ceremony to ward off evil spirits, using a bow and arrows was held when a prince was born at the Imperial Court. It is said Hamayumi has had it's present from since the Kamakura period(1192~1333). In the Edo period the custom of displaying hamayumi on the New Year Days for newly born baby boys began among the worrior, the tradesmen and artisants families. It spread  all over the country.  The custom of displaying Hamayumi during the New Year Days is based on these traditions. It carries a wish that a baby boy will grow up healthy, Thus, dispelling various ill spirits is part of this tradition.