You'll find them in every Japanese souvenir shop, temple market, and even office: round, bright red figures with intense eyes, a wild mustache, and a serious expression. Meet the Daruma, one of Japan's most recognizable lucky charms. These small figures are more than just decoration; they symbolize perseverance, hope, and making dreams come true.
Origin: A monk with a mission
The Daruma is based on Bodhidharma, a 6th-century Indian Buddhist monk and the founder of Zen Buddhism. Legend has it that he meditated so intensely for nine years that his arms and legs died. This explains why the puppet has no limbs, a tribute to his determination.
It's spherical so it rolls back when you push it over, which represents nana-korobi ya-oki, "fall seven times, get up eight." A beautiful symbol of resilience and never giving up.
Meaning and usage
What makes Daruma extra special is the ritual surrounding the coloring of the eyes. A Daruma has two white eyes. You can color one eye if you've set a goal for yourself, such as starting a business, obtaining a diploma, or personal growth. Once you've achieved your goal, you can color the other eye. It's a great incentive, because every time you see your Daruma, you're reminded of your goal.
The classic Daruma is red, the color of protection against evil spirits. But there are also variations in other colors, each with their own meaning:
- Gold: success and wealth
- White: purity and new beginnings
- Black: against bad luck or to ward off negativity
- Pink: for love
This is a colorful way to give extra strength to your goal.
Where can you find Daruma in Japan?
If you're planning a trip to Japan, we have these tips for you to find a Daruma.
Takasaki in Gunma Province is the Daruma capital of Japan. Here you'll find countless handmade Daruma, and there's even a Daruma shrine, the Shorinzan Daruma-ji. In January, there's an annual market at the shrine where everyone buys a new one for the new year. The Daruma from the previous year are then burned, unless, of course, the second eye is still white.
Besides the Shorinzan Daruma-ji in Takasaki, there's also the Katsuō-ji in Osaka, where you'll stumble across the (usually) red lucky dolls. If you'd like to take a Daruma home as a souvenir, you can usually find them in souvenir shops in tourist areas.
Which Daruma do you need?
A Daruma isn't a magic wand, but a beautiful reminder of your own perseverance. Whether you keep one on your nightstand, on your desk, or give it as a gift to someone undertaking something exciting, the message remains the same: don't give up. Interested? Buy your own Daruma here .
The author: Ingrid Beyer
Ingrid from Happlify crew member Roppongi is a far-too-humble Japan expert who can tell you all the ins and outs. Roppongi is the online store for lovers of Japan, design, good food, tea, and DIY. Visit Roppongi and the blog regularly for the quickest trip to Japan. Ingrid's blog posts >
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