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Tokyo Babylon features an array of symbols and customs that may seem strange to people with scarce knowledge of ancient rites and Buddhist traditions. Some aspects are real and common in Japan, whilst other are fictitious and fragments of CLAMP's imagination that are used to enhance the story. Obvious references have been drawn from both Buddhism and Christianity, though neither religions play a central role. Subaru practises an Eastern magical art that is used to exorcist demons and ward of evil spirits. He also wears a crucifix, is sometimes seen with a Bible in his hand, and likes to don interesting outfits bearing Christian motifs. Even the word "Babylon" is a notorious place described in the Bible whose inhabitants suffered God's wrath as a result of their blasphemy and excess pride. This section is devoted to exploring the use of magic, magical symbols, the supernatural and other religious connotations that underpin the story, giving it dimension and depth.
>> THE BUDDHIST TRADITION
The following is a list of terms that we commonly encounter in the anime and manga. They are uniquely associated with the Eastern art of onmyoujitsu, though do not necessarily have anything to do with Buddhism. But since onmyoujitsu itself derived from Buddhism, they will be listed here for convenience. More detailed info on the art of onmyoujitsu as well as the individual clans can be found on the main page.
Ofuda >> These are paper talismans (probably the size of a dollar bill) that are used by spiritual mediums to cast various spells. The ofudas that Subaru uses are emblazoned with unknown characters and the pentagram, a five-pointed star that's the universal symbol used to ward off evil. They can also turn into a sword which Subaru uses to battle stronger opponents. Similar ofudas are used by Seishirou and Hinoto in X.
Onmyouji >> An onmyouji is one who practises the art of onmyoujitsu, or more simply, the Japanese equivalent of a Western spiritual medium or exorcist. Though onmyoujis are highly revered in both ancient and modern Japan, the Sumeragi clan does not exist in real life. In Tokyo Babylon, they are known to have protected Japan from harm for centuries.
Pentagram >> The pentagram is the symbol of the Sumeragi clan, a five pointed star universally recognized as a potent protection against evil. It's an important symbol in many religions and was used extensively in Christianity to represent the five wounds of Christ before the crucifix was adopted as the official Christian symbol. The pentagram can be found on Subaru's ofuda and the back of his shikifuku. The Sakurazukamori's symbol is the pentacle, an inverted pentagram that is often associated with Satanism and the Occult.
Shikifuku >> The shikifuku is a white ceremonial robe worn by Subaru when he's performing an exorcism. It follows the same style as a Japanese kimono, but has visibly wider sleeves with a blue ribbon sewn to the hem and a tassle attached to the end. Subaru also wears a glass bead necklace and traditional Japanese socks/shoes along with the robe. The shikifuku has no special purpose and is only worn as a formality.
Shikigami >> A shikigami is a spirit familiar that attends an onmyouji just as witches are also traditionally attended by a familiar of their own. Subaru's shikigami is a three-headed white crow whilst Seishirou's is a black eagle. These are obviously special birds that can perform feats no ordinary birds can. A shikigami can also be summoned from a paper talisman as seen in the X TV series when Hinoto sends a flock of black birds after Kamui.