For Today’s Japan Photo, we will take a look at the very interesting Japaense Daruma Doll, which is regarded more as a talisman of good luck to the Japanese.
These kawaii Daruma Doll was taken by flickr user Purple Cloud. Are you wondering why their eyes are missing? Here’s a short description that explains how the painting of the eyes of the Daruma Doll would help you attain your wish:
The eyes of Daruma are often blank when sold. Monte A. Greer, author of Daruma Eyes, described the “oversized symmetrical round blank white eyes” as a means to keep track of goals or big tasks and motivate them to work to the finish. The recipient of the doll fills in one eye upon setting the goal, then the other upon fulfilling it. In this way, every time they see the one-eyed Daruma, they recall the goal. One explanation how this custom started says that in order to motivate Daruma-san to grant your wish, you promise to give him full sight once the goal is accomplished. This custom has led to a phrase in Japanese translated as “Both Eyes Open”. Referencing to ‘opening’ the second eye, it expresses the realization of a goal. Traditionally, the Daruma was purchased as a household, and that only the head of the household would paint in the eyes.
