Daruma Doll: Japan’s Symbol of Luck and Resilience

There are many objects in Japan that bring luck, good omens, or grant wishes to their bearers. Among them are the Maneki-neko and Omamori charms; heck, even Kit-Kats are considered to be lucky in Japan. However, there is another that you may not know by name, but will have certainly seen before — the Daruma doll.

What is a Daruma Doll?

The Japanese Daruma doll is a traditional talisman representing perseverance, good luck, and the fulfilment of wishes. Originating from the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma, who founded the Zen school of Buddhism, these dolls are iconic in Japan, often used to inspire individuals to set and achieve goals. 

They are predominantly red, spherical objects that are seen all across Japan depicting the face of a man, and are commonly used and associated with setting and completing goals. With their round shape, vibrant colours, and unique features, Daruma dolls are more than just decorative items — they hold deep cultural significance and embody a rich history.

The image of these predominantly red, spherical objects with the face of a man are seen all across Japan and are commonly used and associated with setting and completing goals. But what is a daruma doll, exactly?

The Meaning of Daruma Dolls

The Daruma doll’s meaning is often associated with luck and good fortune, but is more so seen as a tool for setting goals. To achieve this purpose, they are often sold with blank or unpainted eyes. The role of filling in the Daruma Doll’s eyes is left to the individual who purchases one. 

Once the individual has a goal or target they want to achieve, they will paint one of the eyes. The other eye — and subsequently the entire Daruma doll — will only be completed once the goal has been achieved.

Wishing Happy New Year In Japanese Culture

In Japan, Daruma dolls are often gifted during the New Year as a way to wish for success in the upcoming year. The recipient typically colours in one of the doll’s eyes when setting a goal and fills in the other eye once the goal is achieved. 

This ritual not only serves as a personal commitment, but also creates a tangible representation of progress. People will place their Darumas in prominent or easy to spot locations, so that whenever they see it, it will jog their memory as to what they are trying to achieve. It gives a sense of motivation and is a goal in itself to complete it.

But what happens to them at the end of the year? Do you keep them forever?

Well, there is a general acceptance within Japanese society that many charms — including Daruma — are only valid for one year. Rather than throwing them away, however, a ceremony takes place at the temple where they were purchased and are burned with an expression of thanks for the past year. This occurs even if the goal is not complete; another is bought for the following year in which to continue. 

Beyond their motivational role, Daruma dolls also play a part in spiritual practices. Many individuals place them on altars or in their homes as a form of protection. The act of purchasing a Daruma doll often involves a ritualistic element, with some people visiting temples to buy them. This connection to spirituality adds another layer to their significance.

Origin and Essence: Bodhidharma

Like many traditional aspects of Japan, there are stories and beliefs that make Daruma dolls even more interesting. Their conception is based upon the story of Bodhidharma, also known as Daruma-daishi (although less popular). He was a fabled Buddhist figure who supposedly lived during the 5th or 6th century. 

We are led to believe that Bodhidharma sat in meditation, staring at a wall for a period of nine years, during which, due to lack of movement, his limbs fell off with atrophy. Although this story is a little dark, it’s for this reason that a Daruma doll has no arms or legs. 

The lack of eyes could also be attributed to Bodhidharma’s meditation, where the state of having no eyes relates to the beginning of his journey, and the state of finally painting them relates to its completion. 

Because a Daruma doll is essentially made in the image of Bodhidharma, there are other subtle beliefs associated with them. For example, the burning ceremony at the end of the year is to supposedly release the soul of the Daruma, as well as the idea that Daruma is granting a wish in exchange for painting his eyes.

This origin story certainly plays a role in the origin and meaning of Daruma dolls, but it wasn’t until around the 17th century that the first doll came to be produced. Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture is credited to be the birthplace of these lucky charms. 80% of them are still produced there today.

Daruma doll design

Daruma dolls are not only revered for their cultural significance, but also for their distinctive and meaningful design. The form and style of a Daruma doll plays an important role in reflecting what it represents. 

At first glance, a Daruma doll’s most notable feature is its round shape, which serves a functional purpose. The hollow design allows the doll to return to an upright position when tilted, embodying the principle of resilience: falling down seven times and getting up eight. This is due to a weighted bottom, along with its shape. This characteristic reflects the spirit of perseverance and determination, key tenets of Japanese culture.

When many of us look at a Daruma doll, we will see the face of a hairy, bearded man. However, the eyebrows are curved in a similar style of a crane, while the lower facial hair is curved in the shape of a tortoise. This corresponds to an old Japanese proverb: 

“The crane lives 1000 years, the tortoise 10,000 years”. 

A crane represents longevity, and a tortoise represents good luck.

The Many Daruma Dolls Colors

Lastly, while red is the traditional colour of a Daruma doll, they come in various shapes, sizes, and colours. 

Each Daruma doll colour comes with its own meaning and symbolism. These are as follows:

• Red – Luck
• White – Purity
• Gold – Wealth
• Green – Health
• Orange – Study
• Blue – Career
• Pink – Love
• Purple – Self-development
• Black – Protection

In addition to colour variations, you may also encounter different styles, such as the Hime Daruma doll, known for its feminine design and often associated with the wish for a happy marriage.

The design of Daruma dolls has evolved over time, inspiring various artistic interpretations. While traditional forms remain popular, contemporary versions have emerged, appealing to a broader audience and adapting to modern tastes. Artists and designers have creatively incorporated Daruma motifs into various products, from home décor to fashion items, ensuring that the essence of this beloved symbol remains alive in contemporary culture.

Daruma Dolls in the Modern World

In Japan, Daruma dolls are widely available in souvenir shops, especially in regions known for their craftsmanship, such as Takasaki City, which is often referred to as the “home of the Daruma.” Here, visitors can find a range of sizes and designs, making them perfect gifts or personal keepsakes.

There are also quite a number of Daruma temples in Japan that tourists often visit, filled with Daruma doll collections of all shapes, sizes, and colours from all over the country.

Moreover, the Daruma doll has been adapted into various merchandise, from plush toys to home décor items, keeping the tradition alive while appealing to a broader audience.

For instance, they have grown to be popular souvenirs among tourists due to their distinctive Japanese style. While traditionally being handmade from papier-mache, you can now find ceramic versions with fully painted features that are designed to last. 

You may also see well-established characters taking the form of a Daruma doll. Those such as:

• Mickey Mouse

• Hello Kitty

• Doraemon

• Star Wars characters