One of my favorite images of Japan are the Daruma, the unique red dolls that are seen everywhere around this time of year. Originally a representation of Bodhidharma, a historical figure from India who’s considered the father of Zen Buddhism in China and Japan — he meditated for so long that his arms and legs atrophied and fell off, which is where his unique shape comes from — the Daruma doll has become closely associated with New Year’s in Japan. The Japanese equivalent of making a new year’s resolution — say, to make 2011 the year of learning Japanese for example — is buying a a new Daruma doll and painting one of its eyes black when you make your wish for the new year. If your wish comes true, color the other eye black as a sign of having achieved your goal. Much like Lucky Cat, the cat that beckons good luck into your home or place of business, the Daruma can be considered a popular business-related kami, and most every business displays one of thse dolls proudly, J-List included. Happily, our home prefecture of Gunma is famous for Daruma dolls, and when we ride the train into Tokyo we even get to eat Daruma train bento!
Daruma dolls on New Year’s Day.
