What is Daruma?

Daruma symbolizes meditation of Bodhidharma - Founder of Zen Buddhism.

What is Daruma?

A Daruma is a Japanese traditional wishing doll that is hollow, round, bearded, and mainly known for its red color. The face painted on the doll is the face of Daruma Daishi (Bodhidharma), the founder of Zen Buddhism. The Daruma is often used as a lucky charm because it is believed to make any wish come true. It is also popular amongst businesses and political election offices to wish for success and victory.

For most regions in Japan, a new Daruma comes with blank eyes where the wisher fills in the left eye, while making a wish or setting a goal. They then fill in the other eye when the wish comes true or when their goal is achieved. A Daruma with painted eyes is proof of achievement and also used as a talisman in the house.

Darumas come in different colors depending on the type of wish, or simply by color preference:

A traditional Japanese red daruma doll with a white circle and gold details around the eyes, representing the 'Strength' category.
Red:

role as talisman; energy, power, and good health

A traditional Japanese daruma doll in yellow color with a smiling face and one eye filled in on the front.

Yellow:

focus and positivity 

A traditional Japanese Daruma doll in green color with a simplistic face and a lucky charm symbol on it.

Green:

emotional and physical health, stress-relief

A traditional Japanese daruma doll in purple color with a whimsical face, one eye filled in, and a red stamp-like mark on the bottom right.
Purple:

developing creativity or inspiration

A traditional Japanese white Daruma doll with a smiling face, black eyes, and a red mark on the lower right side.

White:

problem solving, staying away from troubles

A traditional Japanese Daruma doll in pink, with a white circle on the face and gold patterns, standing 2 inches tall.

Pink:

healing and positive vibes in romance

A hand-painted blue daruma doll with a smiling face, one eye filled in, and a red stamp-like marking on the lower side.
Blue:

calmness and increase trustworthiness

A traditional Japanese daruma doll in gold color with a simplistic face and an orange stamp-like marking on the lower part.

Gold:

success and bringing in money

The Backstory of Daruma

Named after the Buddhist name “Dharma Daishi,” the model for the Daruma doll, is said to have been born as a prince in India in the late 5th century. Legend has it that he was practicing zazen meditation facing a wall for nine years in China, and as a result of the rigorous training, his limbs eventually rotted and fell off, which explains why the Daruma doll has no limbs.

However, he was said to have lived until he was 150 years old. His tough presence with a bushy beard and his habit of wearing a red robe made him the perfect model for the Daruma doll. 

Daruma dolls first emerged in the 17th century in Takasaki, Gunma-prefecture. It was crafted from paper-mâché with the structure of a roly-poly toy where it can right itself on its own even after getting knocked over. This behavior symbolizes resilience, the Buddhist principle of “Nanakorobi Yaoki” which means falling down seven times, but getting up eight.

Daruma as a Gift

There are occasions where gifting a Daruma is appropriate in Japan. It can be given as a good luck charm to test takers for wishing luck, businesses for grand openings, people celebrating turning 60 years old, souvenirs for foreigners, wedding gifts, and greeting/holiday celebrations. Daruma can be found in shops throughout Japan.

How to display a Daruma doll

Some suggest to display Daruma on an altar or a high place in your house by placing a piece of white paper underneath the doll. As in the Edo period, a red Daruma can be placed in the entrance area of the house to keep illnesses and evil spirits away. Keep in mind to refrain from placing it in the bathroom or near trash bins where there are impurities. Also make sure that the Daruma does not get dusty over time.

How about placing a Daruma in your house or carry a small version in your bag? Daruma will be looking over you to watch your wish come true. 

About ​Happy Daruma Kobo / Crista Incorporated

Their first store, Happy Daruma Kobo, is located right next to Nishiarai Daishi Sojiji Temple in Adachi-ku, Tokyo. The store, which includes a studio, a store and a workshop, is lined with colorful, freshly painted daruma dolls. Each daruma doll is carefully hand-crafted one by one. These daruma dolls first started with the concept of a good luck charm that works like a "baton of happiness", bringing happiness and fortune to people.