Daruma Doll (mini)
Mini-sized daruma, ideal to place on a work desk or carry with you, as a small reminder of a goal that you set yourself.
A Daruma doll is a Japanese talisman of good luck. Typically made of papier-mâché, it is used to set a personal goal and record successful achievement of that goal. Since it is modelled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, there is a lot of symbolism associated with daruma - from the colour of the doll, to the significance of the crane and tortoise depicted by its facial hair, to the fact that it is designed to stay upright (the Japanese saying "nanakorobi yaoki" translates as "seven times down, eight times up").
- Size: 5cm high (see image)
- Material: Papier-mâché
- Packaging: Clear plastic sleeve
To use the daruma doll:
- For a personal goal or a wish, colour in the left eye of the doll only, so that you are reminded on a daily basis of what you are working to achieve. Once your goal is achieved, colour in the right eye.
- If you are contesting an election, colour in the right eye first, followed by the left eye upon winning.
- Daruma are also found in business establishments and homes with both eyes coloured, as a wish of good fortune for the establishment.
In Japan, daruma are burned once a year at New Year, as a way of thanksgiving for a safe passage through the year, or to celebrate achievement of a goal. A new daruma is then acquired, and new personal goals are set for the year.
All daruma colours signify good luck and you can choose a colour based on personal preference. For specific good fortune, the colours also have additional significance:
- BLACK: business success, being in the black
- WHITE: Success with starting something new
- YELLOW: achieve honour and have good luck
- GREEN: good health, wellness and fitness
- PINK: good relationships and successful partnerships
- PURPLE: success in showing your own personality, showing stability and assisting others
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Daruma manufacturing is officially recognised as a traditional craft of Gunma Prefecture in Japan.