What are mysterious red Daruma dolls, exactly You've probably seen them at Asian restaurants all around the world or hidden almost everywhere in Japan. Few people are aware of the unique and sometimes sad history that lies behind their adorable appearance.
What is a Daruma doll
Daruma dolls, a cherished and treasured sign of good fortune and future riches, are displayed on a shelf at home or office. However, before showing them, the owner must express a wish they hope will come true or something they want to work towards in their own life before colouring in one eye to symbolise the desire. While it doesn't matter which eye is filled first, daruma's left eye is the more common choice. When the request is granted, the second eye is coloured in, and the daruma is finished. But where did the custom of writing wishes and pledges on daruma originate
Daruma is modelled on Bodhidharma, a Chinese Buddhist monk from the 5th century who became the patriarch of the Chinese school of Chan Buddhism. Despite his Chinese origins, he is respected in Japan because what the Chinese call Chan Buddhism became Zen Buddhism in Japan. Even those of us who are unfamiliar with Buddhism recognises the significance of Zen in Japanese society.
Where is Daruma Made
Daruma, like the especially popular Maneki-Neko (beckoning cat), may now be believed to be mass-produced in Chinese factories. However, practically all daruma is manufactured in the Japanese city of Takasai in Gunma prefecture, as it has been for over three centuries.
Daruma was initially made by Takasai district farmers to be blessed by passing monks. This occurred in the 17th century when good luck was eagerly sought to secure a bountiful crop each year. This started the daruma-making tradition in Takasai, Gunma, which has continued to this day.
Daruma's Appearance
The appearance of the daruma is a unique and gloomy tale. Zen Buddhism is a style of Buddhism that emphasises meditation, and Bodhidharma is said to have meditated for nine years straight until his limbs and legs atrophied and fell off. This is how the Japanese daruma doll got its current shape, with a limbless head and body.
The colours of the doll are vibrant. Most artistic depictions of Budhidharma, such as Japanese painter Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's ukiyo-e woodblock picture of the monk, portray him wearing red robes. Red is often connected with good fortune, riches, and success in East Asian countries where Buddhism is popular. During Chinese festivities such as New Year, red envelopes known as hongbao are presented as gifts and are filled with money. Apart from red, you can now get daruma in various colours, including blues, greens, whites, and gold. They have no specific importance and provide more opportunities for consumers to select a daruma in their preferred colour.
Daruma dolls are usually painted with gold kanji on the red beneath their eyes. This kanji is pronounced fuku-iri (bringing luck). Also, the doll's face is designed with traits symbolic of two mythical Japanese animals the crane and the turtle. The crane's appearance is associated with the belief that cranes bring good fortune and health since they are thought to live for a thousand years. The same may be said about turtles, which can live for hundreds of years. They are also said to provide protection.
Meaning of Daruma
We've established that daruma are good luck charms, but there's more to it than just expressing a wish. In reality, Daruma isn't about fulfilling desires that's not in the spirit of Buddhism or Japanese philosophy. Daruma's actual significance serves as a reminder of self-sufficiency, attention, and discipline.
Bodhidharma founded the school of Chan/Zen Buddhism that promotes self-discipline. The practice of purchasing and using a daruma is less about expressing a wish and more about having a talisman that acts as a reminder of your own life aims. Drawing in the daruma's eye is not a wish it is a promise to yourself that you will follow your ambition and achieve your objective, regardless of the hurdles and traps that may arise as you continue your journey.
Nanakorobi yaoki, usually translated as "fall down seven times, stand up eight," is a popular idiom frequently linked to the concept of daruma. Daruma is a sign of resilience and maintaining the road. You have a goal and are tempted to abandon it, but having the daruma on your shelf is a continual reminder of what you initially desired&mdashwhy you made that pledge to yourself in the first place.
Daruma in Popular Culture
Daruma is so common in Japanese culture that it may be found virtually anytime and everywhere, not only in physical space. Daruma is mentioned and shown in literature, film, television, anime, manga, and video games. Here are several examples Daruma Otoshi(a traditional Japanese toy), As the Gods Will (a Japanese horror movie) and many more.
Daruma is now available in a broad range of colours. Each fulfils a specific sort of wish
Red general good-luck wishes
Purple represents health and longevity, whereas blue represents academic excellence and intellectual endeavours.
Gold represents riches and success.
Yellow represents good fortune in financial affairs.
Green represents physical health, black represents commercial prosperity, and white represents love and peace.
Pink is associated with love, relationships, and attractiveness.
Orange represents pregnancy and safety.