daruma

Daruma, or Daruma doll, is a traditional Japanese talisman of good luck and perseverance. The dolls are modeled after Bodhidharma, the semi-legendary founder of Zen Buddhism in India, whose legendary perseverance inspired the design. A typical Daruma is a hollow papier-mâché figure, usually red, with a round shape, a bearded face, and no arms or legs. The eyes are blank when the doll is purchased.

Usage involves setting a goal and filling in one eye, traditionally the left, as a pledge or reminder. After the goal is achieved, the second eye is filled in. In some households, the Daruma is displayed around New Year or used in business and school settings to encourage continued effort.

Color and symbolism: While red is the most common color, Daruma dolls in other colors are used to symbolize different wishes or purposes, such as wealth, health, or success in study. The round shape represents resilience and the ability to recover from misfortune, and the weighted bottom helps the doll right itself when tipped over.

Disposal and ceremonies: At the end of the year or when a goal is achieved, many Daruma are returned to temples and burned in a special ceremony known as Daruma kuyō.

History and influence: The Daruma tradition is connected to Japanese folk beliefs about fortune and perseverance and has become a recognizable cultural icon, commercially produced and widely used in homes, schools, and businesses.