Daruma Dolls: A Whimsical New Year Tradition

The New Year, or Shōgatsu, is one of the most important holidays in Japan, filled with traditions that signify renewal, reflection, and hope for the future. Celebrated from January 1st to 3rd, the holiday season is marked by a variety of customs, including visiting shrines, enjoying festive foods like osechi ryōri, and exchanging greetings with friends and family.

Among the many customs associated with the Japanese New Year, one stands out as meaningful and, well, cute: painting in the eyes of Daruma dolls. This age-old practice combines hope, determination, and a touch of whimsy, making it a perfect reflection of the spirit of New Year celebrations.

The Eyes of Daruma

Daruma dolls, with their rounded, brightly colored forms and fierce expressions, are more than just decorative items—they are powerful symbols of perseverance and goal-setting. When a new Daruma doll is acquired, its eyes are typically blank. Tradition dictates that one eye is painted in at the start of a new endeavor or when setting a significant goal. The second eye remains unpainted until the goal is achieved, serving as a constant reminder of one’s commitment.

This practice resonates deeply with the Japanese concept of ganbaru, or striving to do one’s best. The unpainted eye represents an unfinished journey, a visual motivator to stay focused on the task at hand. Once the goal is met, painting in the second eye signifies gratitude and fulfillment, often accompanied by a visit to a shrine to express thanks.

People use Daruma dolls for a variety of aspirations: success in exams, career achievements, improved health, or even personal milestones like mastering a skill. Different colors of Daruma dolls may be linked to specific goals as well, such as gold for wealth and prosperity. Each doll, therefore, becomes a unique and intimate companion on the path to.

Who is Bodhidharma?

The Daruma doll’s origins trace back to Bodhidharma, a semi-legendary Buddhist monk credited with bringing Zen Buddhism from India to China in the 6th century. Bodhidharma is celebrated for his unwavering discipline. According to legend, he spent nine years meditating in a cave, facing a wall, causing his legs to atrophy and fall off — consequently, daruma dolls have rounded bottoms!

As Buddhism spread to Japan, Bodhidharma’s teachings took root and became integral to the development of Zen. Over time, his image evolved from a historical monk to a folkloric symbol of resilience and focus. In modern Japan, Daruma dolls embody these qualities, serving as tangible reminders of Bodhidharma’s enduring legacy.

Daruma Dolls from Still Sitting

Still Sitting offers a beautiful selection of Daruma dolls and accessories to help you embrace this charming tradition:

• Paper Mâché Daruma Dolls: These cute, authentic Daruma dolls are made in Japan and traditionally made with Paper mâché.
• Daruma Gift Sets: Thoughtfully curated sets that include a Daruma doll and Japanese brush pen. These are ideal for gifting to loved ones or starting your own tradition.
• Japanese Brush Pen: This brush pen combines the control of a fine-tipped marker and the fluidity of a traditional brush. It will elevate your writing and drawing with precision and elegance. Great for many uses, including calligraphy, sketching, or ink illustration.

Whether for yourself or as a gift, these dolls add a touch of Japanese tradition and whimsy into your life.

More from Still Sitting: Who is Bodhidharma and The Bodhisattva Jizo: A Guide for the Weary.

A note on our sources:

Still Sitting is committed to writing and researching articles that are accurate and informative. We know there are many places to find information online. So, we work hard to ensure that we are a trusted source for all of our readers. This blog is intended to help you learn about our products and the cultural subjects that we hold dear. As part of this commitment, we include the sources we use to write our posts:

Daruma.JP – About Daruma Dolls
Tokyo Weekender – The Dark History of Daruma Dolls
UCSF Japanese Woodblock Print Collection