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Except for its face, the Daruma doll is painted entirely in red. This rounded figurine symbolizes the Bodhi Dharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, and has long been cherished in Japan. With its weighted base, the figure soon returns to an upright position after being tipped over, representing perseverance and the ability to recover from misfortune. The Zen founder sat before a wall nine years to reach the enlightenment, and thus, the Daruma doll symbolizes iron resolve to reach one’s goal. Even today, it is especially popular at the offices of politicians seeking election and in households where a child faces an entrance examination.
Initially, the two eyes of a Daruma doll are both white. After it is purchased, the left eye is often painted black, associated with a wish for an ambition to come true. When the wish becomes reality, the doll is believed to bring good health and prevent bad luck. With their light weight and attractive design, they make excellent souvenirs for people with ambitions both great and small.
Updated: October 29, 2019
