Daruma (達磨)

▣ What exactly is a Daruma, and what’s its deep significance in Japanese culture?

A Daruma is a hollow, round, papier-mâché Japanese doll, typically without arms or legs. It represents Bodhidharma (Daruma in Japanese), the founder of Zen Buddhism. It’s a powerful good luck charm and symbol of resilience, embodying the spirit of always getting back up, no matter how many times you fall. Traditionally, you paint one eye when you make a wish or set a goal, and the second eye only when that goal is achieved, symbolizing commitment and gratitude.

▣ What are the historical roots of the Daruma, and why does its shape evoke such a unique figure?

The Daruma’s unmistakable shape comes from the legend of Bodhidharma, the Buddhist monk who, tradition says, meditated for nine years in a cave, losing the use of his arms and legs due to his stillness. His representation as a round, limbless figure, draped in robes, is a powerful reminder of that unwavering discipline and his indomitable spiritual perseverance.

▣ Why are Daruma dolls traditionally red, and what do the other colors you might find signify?

The red color of the Daruma is the most traditional, symbolizing good luck, fortune, and protection from illness and evil spirits. However, they come in various colors, each with a specific meaning: yellow or gold for wealth, white for purity and love, black to ward off bad luck, green for health and safety, and purple for personal growth and business success.

▣ How do you use a Daruma to make a wish or set a goal, and what’s the ritual that goes with it?

The ritual is simple yet meaningful: choose a Daruma, focus on your goal or wish, and paint just one eye (usually the right one). Then place it in a prominent spot, like a home altar or on your desk, as a constant reminder of your commitment. Once your goal is achieved, paint the second eye as a sign of gratitude. At the end of the year, many bring their Daruma back to a temple for a special thank-you and purification ceremony.

▣ Is there a special meaning behind the Daruma’s bushy eyebrows and stylized beard?

Absolutely! The Daruma’s stylized eyebrows are shaped to resemble a crane, a symbol of longevity. The beard, on the other hand, echoes the shape of a turtle, also an emblem of long life and good fortune in Japanese culture. These details aren’t just aesthetic; they reinforce its message of wishing you a long, prosperous, and successful life.

▣ Are there different types of Daruma depending on the region or artisan?

Yes, absolutely! While maintaining the basic spherical shape, regional and stylistic variations of the Daruma do exist. The Takasaki region in Gunma Prefecture is famous for being the largest producer of Daruma, known for its distinctly recognizable style. Some Daruma might feature slight differences in facial features, colors, or even decorations, reflecting local tradition or the artistic interpretation of the artisan who crafted them.

▣ How does the Daruma figure manifest in popular and contemporary Japanese culture?

With its strong symbolism of perseverance, the Daruma is truly omnipresent in Japanese pop culture. You’ll often find it in manga and anime, serving as a mascot or a reference to achieving goals. It’s used in company logos, as a good luck charm for sporting events or exams, and even in video games. Its figure has become a universal icon of resilience and determination, easily recognizable even outside its original spiritual context.

▣ What happens to a Daruma once both eyes have been painted and the goal has been achieved?

When a Daruma has both eyes painted, it means your wish has been granted or your goal achieved. Traditionally, at the end of the year, many bring their ‘completed’ Daruma back to the temple where it was purchased (or to a designated temple). There, during a special ceremony called ‘Daruma Kuyō,’ they are burned along with other Daruma dolls, as a sign of gratitude and to allow their spirit to return to the heavens, purifying the energy and paving the way for new wishes.

▣ Fun Facts

• In some Japanese political elections, candidates paint one eye on a Daruma before voting, leaving the other eye unpainted until they are elected, symbolizing their hope for success.

• Its round shape and weighted base, which allows it to right itself even when tipped over, embodies the Japanese proverb ‘Nanakorobi Yaoki’ (七転び八起き): ‘Fall seven times, stand up eight’ – a powerful symbol of resilience and perseverance.