The Daruma Doll
The Daruma doll is a mostly red, roly-poly doll with no arms or legs. They are "tumbler dolls," much like the Weebles of childhood. The base is weighted and when the doll is knocked on its side, it pops right back up. This makes them wobble back and forth, but not fall down. They are usually made of papier maiche, and appear to be sitting in a meditative pose. They are a representation of the Bodhidharma, the sage credited with establishing Chan Buddhism in China and Zen Buddhism in Japan.
Daruma dolls are usually purchased at the New Year. This is a time of making resolutions and setting goals, and the dolls are used for just that purpose. The idea is that you buy a Daruma doll, make a resolution or set a goal, then paint in one of the doll's blank eyes. Once you achieve the resolution or goal, you fill in the other eye. At the end of the year, it is customary in Japan to take the doll to a Temple and burn it in a bonfire.
Daruma is short for Bodai Daruma, the Japanese rendering of the name.
Daruma dolls are usually purchased at the New Year. This is a time of making resolutions and setting goals, and the dolls are used for just that purpose. The idea is that you buy a Daruma doll, make a resolution or set a goal, then paint in one of the doll's blank eyes. Once you achieve the resolution or goal, you fill in the other eye. At the end of the year, it is customary in Japan to take the doll to a Temple and burn it in a bonfire.
Daruma is short for Bodai Daruma, the Japanese rendering of the name.