A pattern of scales made up of a series of triangles. It got its name from its resemblance to the scales of a fish or snake. It is an extremely simple design and easy to draw, so it is popular all over the world, regardless of culture or ethnicity, and in Japan it is used on ancient tombs and haniwa dolls. Triangles have long been considered to represent demons and illness. It is believed that drawing a triangle has the power to ward off bad things, and so it came to be used as a talisman or to ward off evil.