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Daruma (達磨 or だるま) is the Japanese name for Bodhidharma. Daruma also
refers to a hollow and round Japanese wish doll with no arms and legs,
modeled after Bodhidharma. Typical colors are red (most common), yellow,
green and white. The doll has a face with a moustache and beard but with
eyes only containing the color white. Some dolls have written characters on
the cheek areas explaining the kind of wish or desire the owner has in mind
such as protection of loved ones. The chin area may contain the surname of
the owner, ex: Suzuki.
Obtaining a doll
Daruma dolls are typically purchased in or near Japanese Buddhist temples
and can range in price from 1000 yen for small dolls (~15cm in height) to
10,000 yen or more for the largest dolls (~60cm in height). It is only
normal to own a single daruma at a time.
Making a wish
Using black ink one fills in a single circular eye while thinking of a
wish. Should the wish later come true the second eye is filled in. Until
then the daruma is displayed in a high location in one's home, typically
close to other significant belongings such as a Butsudan (a Buddhist praying
box).
Other
If the daruma doll was purchased within a temple (the temple's mark is
imprinted on such dolls) the owner can return it for burning. Most temples
will refuse to burn dolls not exhibiting the temple's mark. Burning usually
occurs at the year end.
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