{"id":27018,"date":"2022-01-12T15:00:04","date_gmt":"2022-01-12T15:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=27018"},"modified":"2023-05-31T02:20:43","modified_gmt":"2023-05-31T02:20:43","slug":"daruma-dolls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/daruma-dolls\/","title":{"rendered":"The surprising story of Daruma dolls"},"content":{"rendered":"

What are those interesting-looking, red Daruma dolls anyway?\u00a0<\/span>You\u2019ve likely seen them in Asian restaurants around the world or hiding just about everywhere in Japan. But few know the interesting and somewhat dark history behind their cute appearance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read on to learn all about Daruma dolls, where they came from and how to use your own to make a wish come true.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Daruma doll?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A Daruma is a traditional luck charm rooted in 5th to 6th century Japanese folklore. They\u2019re a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity. Use Daruma to make wishes about a goal you\u2019d like to achieve.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can recognise Daruma by their rounded shape, bright colors (originally red), and striking, open-eyed face<\/span><\/p>\n

History of Daruma dolls<\/b><\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t be fooled by their cute looks! Daruma have a deep and surprisingly dark legend behind them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They\u2019re modelled after the monk Bodhidharma. The origin of Bodhidharma\u2019s story and exactly where he came from are now impossible to pinpoint. But, he was credited with a long list of accomplishments like founding Zen Buddhism, popularising Shaolin kungfu and inventing green tea.<\/span><\/p>\n

Legend has it that Bodhidharma meditated in a cave for 9 years without so much as blinking. His persistence was so strong that when his arms, legs and eyelids fell off, he continued without pause. This story, along with Bodhidharma\u2019s dedication, are the basis for the daruma\u2019s round shape. Daruma were originally weighted at the bottom so they stand up no matter how many times they\u2019re knocked over.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Daruma<\/p>\n

Daruma in modern times<\/b><\/h2>\n

The commercialisation of the doll began in the 17th century with local farmers in Takasaki of Gunma prefecture. They crafted daruma to bring good fortune to their silk harvest, an intense job that relies heavily on luck.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Over time, Daruma dolls became a sort of meme among the lower classes of Japanese society. Their shape slowly shifted to phallic shapes, or female \u201cLady Daruma,\u201d which were made as jabs at the upper echelons of society.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though their true meaning was mostly lost to time, Daruma dolls\u2019 popularity continues to this day. You can see them in souvenir shops, local businesses and homes all over Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daruma doll kanji<\/b><\/h2>\n

Daruma can have any kanji written on them (usually a single big golden symbol on their belly). But these are the most common you\u2019ll see:<\/span><\/p>\n