If you are interested in Japanese culture, you might have encountered Daruma dolls.
People consider these small, round dolls essential to Japanese tradition and often use them as good luck charms.
People believe the doll brings good fortune and perseverance to its owners.
The Daruma doll is typically red and features an exaggerated face, with one eye painted in black and the other left blank.
The doll has no arms or legs and is made of papier-mâché.
The Daruma doll’s design is rich in symbolism and meaning, making it an important part of Japanese culture.
The dolls help people set and achieve goals.
They also bring good luck and prosperity.
Key Takeaways
- The Daruma doll is an integral part of Japanese culture and is a good luck charm.
- The dolls are named after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism and bring luck to their owners.
- The dolls are typically red, and feature exaggerated faces, with one eye painted in black and the other left blank. They help people set and achieve goals and bring good luck and prosperity.
History and Origin
The Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese doll.
It originated in the 17th century and was initially modelled after Bodhidharma.
He was an Indian monk who founded the Zen tradition of Buddhism in China between the 5th and 6th centuries.
Bodhidharma and Zen Buddhism
Bodhidharma brought Chan Buddhism from Central Asia to China.
He is also known for his strict meditation practices and physical endurance, which he used to train his disciples.
The Daruma doll represents Bodhidharma.
The Daruma doll has a round shape to symbolize his rotund figure.
The wide-eyed expression represents his perseverance and determination.
Daruma Doll in Japanese Culture
The Daruma doll has become a symbol of perseverance and good luck in Japanese culture.
It is often given as a gift to someone starting a new endeavour or facing a challenge.
The doll is typically sold with blank eyes.
The recipient paints in one eye when making a wish or setting a goal.
Once you achieve the goal, paint the other eye in.
Then, a temple returns the doll to burn it in a special ceremony.
Daruma Doll and China
The Daruma doll was first created there as a toy for children.
During the Edo period, a monk named Tetsugyu brought the doll to Japan.
The doll’s popularity in Japan multiplied, and it soon became a symbol of perseverance and good luck.
Today, the Daruma doll is still prevalent in Japan and exported to other countries as a souvenir or good luck charm.
Symbolism and Meaning
Let’s explore the various aspects of the Daruma doll’s symbolism and meaning.
Colour Significance
Typically, Daruma dolls are red.
In Japan, red is an auspicious colour.
People associate red with good fortune, happiness, and prosperity in Japan.
Red is also believed to ward off evil spirits, making it a popular choice for amulets and talismans.
Facial Features
The Daruma doll’s face is one of its most distinctive features.
People usually paint the face with a bushy beard, thick eyebrows, and large, staring eyes.
When they first create the doll, they leave its eyes blank.
The owner fills in one eye when making a wish or setting a goal.
When the owner achieves their wish or goal, they fill in the other eye.
This signifies the completion of the task.
The staring eyes are a symbol of determination and commitment.
They remind the owner to stay focused on their goal and not to lose sight of their objective.
Daruma Doll, and Good Luck
People believe the Daruma doll brings good luck to its owner.
It is often given as a gift to someone starting a new venture or embarking on a new path in life.
The doll is also popular among students studying for exams or trying to achieve a personal goal.
The Daruma doll is a symbol of determination and perseverance.
Its message is simple: if you set your mind to something and work hard, you can achieve anything you want.
The doll reminds you that success doesn’t come easily.
You must work for it and earn it.
Creation Process of the Daruma Doll
Daruma dolls are typically made from papier-mâché.
They come in various sizes, ranging from fitting in the palm of your hand to as large as filling a room.
The dolls are usually painted red and have a distinctive, round shape with no arms or legs.
To craft Daruma dolls, carefully pay attention and take your time.
First, you layer paper strips over a mould. Then, you leave them to dry.
Once you remove the mould, you sand and paint the doll.
You paint the eyes last and consider the doll complete once you fill in the eyes.
Variations and Types
Daruma dolls come in various colours and sizes, each with unique significance and purpose.
Let’s explore the different variations and types of Daruma dolls.
Colour Variations
Red is the most common colour for Daruma dolls.
It represents good luck and success.
However, there are also other colour variations available.
White Daruma dolls represent purity and new beginnings.
People associate gold Daruma dolls with wealth and prosperity.
They say green Daruma dolls bring good health, while black Daruma dolls ward off evil spirits.
People believe blue Daruma dolls bring academic and business success.
Pink ones are for love and relationships.
People consider purple Daruma dolls to bring wisdom, while yellow Daruma dolls represent good fortune.
Finally, orange Daruma dolls bring happiness and joy.
Size Variations
Daruma dolls are available in sizes from small to large.
The most common size is around 15 centimetres in height.
But you can also find both smaller and larger sizes.
More miniature Daruma dolls are often used as keychains or charms, while larger ones are used for display or as part of a collection.
Some Daruma dolls also have unique features or designs.
Some have smallpox scars on their faces, symbolizing the strength and resolve of people who beat the disease.
Others have unique designs or patterns that represent parts of Japanese culture or history.
Daruma dolls are an important symbol in Japanese culture.
They have many variations and types.
Daruma Doll in Modern Times
Although Daruma dolls have existed for centuries, they remain prevalent today.
Daruma Doll as Souvenirs
Daruma dolls make great souvenirs for tourists visiting Japan.
Some shops offer daruma dolls that allow you to write your wish or goal.
It makes for a unique and meaningful souvenir you can keep as a reminder of your trip to Japan.
Daruma Doll in Festivals
Daruma dolls are also used in festivals and events throughout Japan.
One of the most famous festivals is the Daruma Kuyo, held in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture.
This festival takes place annually on February 6th. It is dedicated to the Daruma doll.
People bring their old Daruma dolls to the temple to be burned on a large bonfire.
Burning the old Daruma dolls shows gratitude for helping people achieve their goals.
Daruma Doll as Talisman
Daruma dolls serve as talismans.
They symbolize good luck and success.
People often give them as gifts to wish others good luck in their endeavours.
Also, people use Daruma dolls as New Year’s decorations.
People place them in homes and businesses to attract good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Beliefs and Superstitions
Daruma Doll and Longevity
People in Japan believe that the Daruma doll brings good health and longevity.
Many claim that if you keep a Daruma doll, it ensures a long life for you.
The round shape of the doll represents the circle of life, emphasizing longevity.
Daruma Doll and Adversity
People in Japan often use the phrase “nanakorobi yaoki” (fall down seven times, get up eight) to motivate others to persevere through challenges.
The Daruma doll embodies this spirit of perseverance.
Many give this doll as a gift to those tackling challenging situations.
