Hello, dreamers!
We often look for a little bit of magic to help us through our days—something to remind us to keep going, to keep smiling, and to keep chasing our goals. That magic is perfectly captured in the round, determined face of the Daruma doll.
While many know the Daruma as a cute Japanese lucky charm, its true meaning goes much deeper. Before it was a symbol of luck, it was a symbol of being unbreakable.
The Legend of the Wall-Gazing Monk
The story of the Daruma begins with a real person: Bodhidharma (known as Daruma Daishi in Japan). He was an Indian prince who traveled to China to spread Buddhist teachings and eventually became the founder of Zen Buddhism.
Legend tells us that Daruma Daishi was a man of incredible focus. He once spent nine years meditating while facing a wall at the Shaolin Temple. He sat for so long, enduring all kinds of weather and hardships, that his arms and legs eventually stopped working!
This is why the Daruma doll we know today is shaped like a roly-poly, limbless figure. It isn’t meant to look scary; it is meant to represent a spirit so strong that even without limbs, it stands tall.
A Beacon of Hope in Hard Times
There is a touching story about how this doll became a beloved folk icon.
Long ago, during the 18th century, Japan suffered a terrible famine. The people were hungry, anxious, and losing hope. Seeing their suffering, a compassionate monk at the Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple decided to help.
He took the image of the resilient Daruma Daishi and created palm-sized dolls to give to the villagers. He offered these dolls as a way to encourage the starving people, sharing a powerful wisdom: "Life cannot always be smooth sailing."
The monk taught them that just like the Daruma, we may face disasters and hard times, but we possess the inner strength to survive them. The doll became a way for the villagers to find hope (and eventually a livelihood) during their darkest days.
👉 Hariko Papier-Mache Hand Painting Daruma Doll
Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight
This history gave birth to the famous Japanese proverb associated with the doll: "Nanakorobi Yaoki" (七転び八起き), which translates to "Fall down seven times, stand up eight."
Because the Daruma doll is weighted at the bottom, if you knock it over, it immediately bounces back up. It never stays down.
This is the message I want to share with you through our shop. Whether you are chasing a big dream, facing a tough challenge, or just need a little friend on your desk, let the Daruma be your reminder.
It doesn't matter how many times you stumble. What matters is that you stand up, one last time.
Visit our shop to see our collection of Daruma dolls—each one ready to be your partner in resilience and good luck!
Want to learn more? This story is based on historical records from the Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple in Takasaki, Japan. You can read more about the fascinating history of Daruma dolls on the Official Gunma Tourism Guide or the Japan National Tourism Organization.
With love,
Shannon
Written in Cantonese -> 店長 😊
Please visit my online shop: Day Dreaming Shop
Please follow my social platforms:
IG~
Etsy Shop: DayDreamingZakka