Japanese Daruma Doll

Thank goodness for Google image search

The Daruma is unique in how it's used and how often I've seen them without knowing anything about them. I have seen these dolls in the wild, out in public places, and online. I have never seen them spoken of specifically. Their history, meaning, and uses are actually really interesting

Photo by Shinichi Kotoku on Unsplash

The daruma doll is a traditional Japanese doll that represents the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma, who is regarded as the founder of Zen Buddhism. The doll is a symbol of perseverance, good luck, and achieving one's goals. Here is some information about the history and significance of the daruma doll in Japanese culture:

- The origins of the daruma doll come from the Daruma-dera temple, located in the Gunma prefecture. They became popular at the temple as a way for local people to mold their good luck charms. From the 1800s, darumas came to symbolize the Gunma region and spread all over Japan.

AI doesn't grasp the concept of a daruma, I suppose

- The daruma doll is modeled after Bodhidharma, who lived in the 5th or 6th century CE. According to legend, he meditated for nine years without moving or blinking, which caused his limbs and eyelids to fall off. He also cut off his own eyelids to prevent himself from falling asleep again. The daruma doll has a round, limbless shape and wide-open eyes to reflect Bodhidharma's appearance and spirit.

- The daruma doll is sold with blank eyes, and the owner paints one eye when they make a wish or set a goal. When the wish or goal is fulfilled, they paint the other eye as a way of thanking the doll for its help. The doll is also designed to be weighted at the bottom so that it always returns to an upright position when knocked over. This symbolizes the resilience and determination of the owner to overcome obstacles and challenges.

- The daruma doll comes in different colors, each with its own meaning. The most common color is red, which represents good fortune and protection from evil. Other colors include white (purity and harmony), yellow (wealth and prosperity), green (health and vitality), blue (success and achievement), purple (nobility and elegance), gold (glory and honor), and silver (longevity and wisdom). Some people also customize their own daruma dolls with different designs and patterns to express their personality and creativity.

- The daruma doll is usually displayed in a prominent place in the home or workplace until the end of the year or until the goal is achieved. Then, it is returned to the temple where it was purchased or burned in a special ceremony along with other old daruma dolls. This is a way of showing gratitude and respect to the doll and also making room for new wishes and goals.

As you can see this symbol serves as a reminder. Its own beginning gives it a protection and encouragement effect. And like many things there was a way to customize it based on need or circumstances. Next time you see one of these remember what it represents. If it has both eyes it is a goal achieved and a physical embodiment of a concept that is encouraging but not really quantifiable.