Can you imagine having a charm that can help you fulfill your dreams? Japan, a country where traditions and legends intertwine in every corner, has just what you need. Meet the Daruma, a small papier-mâché figure that, at first glance, may seem like just a curious souvenir. But don’t be fooled! Behind those large eyes and its round shape lies a story filled with perseverance and mystery.
Daruma is japanese wish doll.
A Charm with History: The Origin of the Daruma 📜
The story of the Daruma is deeply connected to the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma, who, according to legend, was the founder of Zen Buddhism in Japan. This monk was not only a spiritual master but also the protagonist of a series of events that would define the essence of the Daruma.
Legend has it that Bodhidharma, after years of pilgrimage, stopped in a cave to meditate… for nine years! Yes, you read that right, nine long years without moving or closing his eyes, all to achieve enlightenment. But it wasn’t that simple. 😴
After seven years of uninterrupted meditation, the monk, exhausted, fell asleep. Upon waking up, furious with himself, he made a radical decision: he cut off his eyelids to never fall asleep again! 😲 And as if that wasn’t strange enough, where he buried them, green tea plants began to sprout. So, the next time you enjoy a cup of tea, you know who to thank. 🍵
After nine years in the same position, Bodhidharma lost the use of his limbs. This is why the Daruma, inspired by his figure, has no arms or legs, and always stares intently with its large, eyelid-less eyes. This intense expression embodies the monk’s struggle, determination, and perseverance.
The Daruma in Japanese Culture: An Icon with Deep Historical Roots 🏯
Many pieces of craftsmanship produced in Japan since ancient times have a deep connection with religious faith and historical thought. This is the case with the Daruma, which even appeared in the decorations of the Equestrian events at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. This figure is one of the key pieces that are essential to understanding Japanese culture.
Features of the Daruma: More than Just a Simple Doll 🎭
The Daruma is much more than just a simple figure. Every detail of its design holds special meaning.
- Round body without arms or legs: As mentioned earlier, the absence of limbs is related to the story of Bodhidharma. But there’s a second reason: the Daruma always returns to its upright position, no matter how many times you push it over. This represents the Japanese proverb “nanakorobi yaoki,” which means “fall seven times, stand up eight.” 💪
- Large, empty eyes: Its eyelid-less, pupil-less eyes are inspired by Bodhidharma’s decision to cut off his eyelids to stay awake. But these eyes also have a practical purpose, which you’ll discover shortly. 👀
- Eyebrows and mustache shaped like animals: Look closely at the Daruma’s eyebrows and mustache. If they seem to have strange shapes, you’re right. The eyebrows are designed to resemble two cranes, and the mustache, a turtle. These animals symbolize longevity in Japanese culture. So, besides being perseverant, the Daruma also wants you to live long! 🎋
- Kanji inscriptions: On its belly or sides, you’ll often find kanji inscriptions representing wishes like “luck,” “perseverance,” or “wealth.” Some people even write their own wishes on the doll to reinforce their commitment to their goal.
Daruma Culture: Deeply Rooted in Japanese Daily Life
For the Japanese people, Daruma dolls aren’t just lucky charms—they’re almost like old friends! 🤗 These cheerful figures are so ingrained in daily life that they’ve become a symbol of the changing seasons. Did you know there are Daruma Fairs where people buy these dolls to kick off the year on the right foot? 🎋
But Daruma’s influence goes even further. Anything with a similar shape is often called a “daruma.” A perfect example is the snowman ⛄️, known in Japan as the “Yuki Daruma” (Daruma of Snow). How adorable is that?!❄️.
And speaking of games, there’s one called Daruma-san ga Koronda (“The Daruma Fell Over”) 🕹️. In this game, the leader, called Oni (which means ogre 😈), sings while the other players try to get closer. But watch out! When Oni finishes the song and turns around, everyone has to freeze. If you move, you’re out! Although the game isn’t directly related to the Daruma doll, its name shows just how deeply rooted the figure is in Japanese culture. It’s a must-try if you visit Japan!
Even the famous artist Hokusai Katsushika 🎨, the genius behind “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” 🌊, left his mark on Daruma’s history. Hokusai, known as “the artist of all things,” created stunning illustrations of Daruma. And that’s not all—he also drew giant Daruma dolls live during promotional events! 😲
One of the most memorable moments was in Nikakesho. At 57 years old, Hokusai unfurled a massive 18-meter-tall and 11-meter-wide sheet of paper (huge, right?! 😮) and drew an impressive bust of Bodhidharma, the model for Daruma. The crowd was amazed, and Hokusai was affectionately nicknamed Darusen (short for “Daruma Sensei,” or Professor Daruma 👨🏫).
This event wasn’t just a visual spectacle; it was also recorded in history with details of the materials used, the audience’s reactions, and even drawings depicting the scene. Hokusai really knew how to leave an impression! 👏
How to Use a Daruma: Make Your Dream Come True 🌟
Using a Daruma is a simple but powerful ritual. Here’s how to do it in five steps:
- Define your wish or goal: The more specific you are, the better. Wishing to “be happy” is great, but what exactly will make you happy? Be concrete.
- Paint one of its eyes: This is a crucial moment. By painting the first eye, you’re sealing your commitment to your goal. Which eye should you paint? Whichever you prefer, the important thing is to do it with your wish clearly in mind. 🎯
- Place the Daruma in a visible spot: Put it somewhere you’ll see it every day, like in your living room. Just a tip: avoid putting it in your bedroom… you might get startled if you see its intense gaze in the middle of the night. 😂
- Take action: Now comes the hard part. Work with determination toward your goal. Remember, the Daruma symbolizes perseverance. Don’t give up! 💥
- Paint the second eye when you reach your goal: Once you achieve your goal, paint the second eye to give the Daruma full sight. If you haven’t fulfilled your goal after a year, tradition says you should take the Daruma to a temple to be burned. But don’t worry! Burning it is not a sign of failure, but rather a sign that you’re ready to try again or change your focus. 🔥
⚠️ Golden Rule: You can only have one Daruma at a time. This forces you to focus on one goal at a time, increasing your chances of success.
What If the Wish Doesn’t Come True? 🤔
Don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world! 🌍 Even if your wish didn’t come true, the Daruma is still part of a beautiful tradition. At the end of the year, or whenever you feel it’s time to let go, the Daruma is taken to a special ceremony called Daruma Kuyō 🔥. During this ceremony, all Darumas, whether the wish was fulfilled or not, are burned in a big bonfire.
But why burn it, you ask? 🤷♂️ The burning of the Daruma symbolizes the closing of a cycle. 🌱 It’s like saying goodbye to the past year and also to the wishes that didn’t quite make it. By releasing the Daruma through fire, you let go of unfulfilled goals and make room for new beginnings. ✨
And here’s the best part! After the ceremony, you can buy a new Daruma for the coming year. 🎉 It’s like getting a second chance, a blank page where you can paint new dreams and goals. So don’t get discouraged, the Daruma is there to remind you that each year brings new opportunities to try again. 💪
The Daruma is more than just a traditional Japanese figure; it’s a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and hope. By using a Daruma, you’re not just making a wish—you’re committing to a journey of self-improvement and determination. Whether you’re striving to achieve a personal goal, overcome a challenge, or simply bring a bit of Japanese culture into your life, the Daruma serves as a constant reminder to never give up. So, next time you visit Japan or come across a Daruma, remember its powerful story and let it inspire you to chase your dreams with unwavering determination. 🏆✨
