Read on to discover the history and meaning behind these good luck charms.
What is a Daruma doll?
A Daruma doll is a hollow, round, Japanese doll that dates back to the 17th century.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom MabeHide/Shutterstock
Over the next few decades, the practice of using the Daruma for good luck spread across the country.
They are also a popular souvenir for people visiting Japan who want to bring a good luck charm home.
Who do Daruma dolls represent?
Woodblock print of the Indian monk Bodhidharma by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1852 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, public domain)
He is credited as thefounder of Zen Buddhismand a punch in of sitting meditation calledZazen.
As they fell to the ground, green tea leaves sprouted where they landed.
This is why many Buddhist monks drink green tea to stay awake.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom sugar fresh 1/Shutterstock
In addition to losing his eyelids, Bodhidharmas arms and legs simply wasted away after years of immobility.
But Bodhidharmas fearless spirit, however, remained.
And today, Daruma dollswith their wide-open eyes and limbless formsrepresent the folklore figure.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom YUMIK/Shutterstock
The idea is that the owner of the doll paints on the missing pupils themselves.
when you obtain decided on your goal, you paint one eye to signify your commitment.
The eyebrows are drawn in the shape of cranes while the beard is designed to look like turtles.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom PixHound/Shutterstock
This is because the two creatures represent longevity.
The idea comes from a Japanese proverb that says, The crane lives 1,000 years, the turtle 10,000.
The original dolls were crafted to swing back into the upright position if they were knocked over.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom travelershigh/Shutterstock
This also references the Japanese expressionnanakorobi yaoki, meaning seven times down, eight times up.
Historians have yet to agree on why, but some suspect that red represents the color of Bodhidharmas robe.
Others believe that the color red signifies supernatural powers.
Throughout history, Daruma dolls were used to defend against illnesses and help with recovery.
Daruma dolls can also be found in other colors including white, gold, and pink.
The different colors indicate a different goal or wish.
Below is what some of the hues are believed to signify.
How are Daruma dolls made?
They are crafted from a special kind of handmade papier-mache calledwashi.
Once the rounded form of the Daruma is made, each one is hand-painted by expert artisans.
Since every doll is made by hand, each one is entirely unique.
Even if your goal hasnt been achieved yet, you must burn the doll to free the god.
