Traditional Red Daruma 65 cm - Luck

Daruma, Daruma: I choose a goal and draw one eye. When I have achieved it, I will draw the other eye. An extraordinary Daruma for an extraordinary goal.

Following tradition, the eyebrows of this special Daruma are shaped like cranes, and the beard on its cheeks resembles turtle scales. These two animals are symbols of longevity in Japan. In addition to the kanji for luck painted on its chin, it features others on each side of the head that express the achievement of a goal and the fulfillment of great aspirations.

What is it?
Daruma 達磨, also called a wish doll, is a Japanese good luck charm. Made of papier-mâché, it represents the monk Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. According to legend, he attained enlightenment after meditating alone in a cave for 9 years, but lost his arms and legs which had atrophied. Hence the distinctive shape of Daruma.

How to proceed
Choose a goal and draw the first eye on Daruma. When you have achieved it, draw the second eye as a sign of gratitude. As a learning experience, note how you reached your goal: it is a moment of great personal satisfaction. If you do not get what you wish for, you can then burn your Daruma at the end of the year. This simply means you will look for other ways to reach your goal.

The spirit of Daruma
This figurine reminds us that if we are determined and persistent, we will reach the goal we have set. In this sense, it is essential that the goal be specific and achievable. It is not about buying a Daruma and then waiting for things to happen magically: Daruma motivates us and invites us to strive for success. In Japan, any occasion is good for giving a Daruma, especially birthdays and New Year’s.