If wishes were pledges...

These little strips of paper are omikuji, fortunes sold at shrines and temples across Japan. Randomly drawn they contain predictions ranging from good luck to bad luck. Tying them to something at the shrine means that any bad luck will be averted and your chance of good luck is enhanced.

The wooden plaques like with the one with the cuter than yesterday's monkey on are called ema,  you write wishes on the other side of them. People wish for good health, success in business, passing exams, love or wealth. Or perhaps a wish that Blipfoto will continue...