Monday 3 June 2013

Daruma Dolls

Daruma Dolls, also known as Dharma Dolls, are traditional Japanese dolls without hands and feet. Their design depends on region and artist, but most Daruma Dolls are painted red and made of paper-mache. The hollow dolls have a round shape and are heavy at the bottom, which works as a tumbler for returning to an upright position when it is pushed over.  Bouncing back to his original position, symbolizes the ability to recover from misfortune.
The dolls are representing the sitting meditation posture of Bodhiddharma, the founder of the Zen sect. Bodhidharma’s legs were said to be paralyzed because he meditated about nine years on top of a rock and he became unable to walk.
The eyes of the Daruma dolls are usually white, because the custom is to paint in the eyes when a wish of yours has been fulfilled.
Once every year the Daruma Dolls, which had been used that year, are brought back to the temple for the traditional Daruma Kuyo, a burning ceremony, where the dolls are burnt in the temple. There you can also buy new Dolls for the next year.

No comments:

Post a Comment