Daruma
We have a Japanese traditional game 'Daruma-san ga koronda', which literally means 'Daruma-san fall'. Actually, this game is played in various regions of the world. For example, it is also called 'red light, green light' in the US, and 'grandmother's footsteps' in the UK, according to Wikipedia.
In my region, we have another version 'Kuruman ton-ten-kan'. It is only known in my prefecture. Because 'Kuruman' originally came from the name of blacksmith's town and 'ton-ten-kan' describes the sound of their hummer. All these were a sort of way to count number ten (Da-ru-ma-sa-n-ga-ko-ro-n-da, Ku-ru-ma-n to-n-te-n-ka-n).
Anyway, Darma (Daruma doll) is a symbol of perseverance and good luck in Japan, modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. The designs vary by region and there are some different colours, but it is typically red. There are many sizes from small to big. I remember my uncle has displayed variety sized of local Daruma.
The eyes of Daruma are often blank when sold. Because when you set the goal of something, you fill in one eye, and then when you achieved the goal, fill the other. It's sort of motivation for your big task. You may see a big Daruma at a popular election. Most candidates display Daruma at their office.
We have a small Daruma with blank eyes, but have displayed it as a good luck charm.
In my region, we have another version 'Kuruman ton-ten-kan'. It is only known in my prefecture. Because 'Kuruman' originally came from the name of blacksmith's town and 'ton-ten-kan' describes the sound of their hummer. All these were a sort of way to count number ten (Da-ru-ma-sa-n-ga-ko-ro-n-da, Ku-ru-ma-n to-n-te-n-ka-n).
Anyway, Darma (Daruma doll) is a symbol of perseverance and good luck in Japan, modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. The designs vary by region and there are some different colours, but it is typically red. There are many sizes from small to big. I remember my uncle has displayed variety sized of local Daruma.
The eyes of Daruma are often blank when sold. Because when you set the goal of something, you fill in one eye, and then when you achieved the goal, fill the other. It's sort of motivation for your big task. You may see a big Daruma at a popular election. Most candidates display Daruma at their office.
We have a small Daruma with blank eyes, but have displayed it as a good luck charm.
