The patterns encapsulate people's prayers and wishes, with deities also concealed within. Karakami originated from ryōshi writing paper, which dates to the Heian period (794-1185). Together with the words, the patterns and colors decorating the ryōshi express people's most cherished thoughts and wishes. The words encapsulated by the patterns are not limited to messages from one person to another. The Kokin Wakashū (Heian period collection of poetry) and the Sanjūrokkasen…
