Prelims – Current events of National and International importance| Art & culture.
Why in News?
Recently, the Indian Prime Minister received a Daruma Doll from the chief priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple during his visit to Japan.
The Daruma is a Japanese doll, traditionally made out of papier-mache, often gifted or placed in homes, offices, and temples.
It is considered auspicious and a good luck charm in Japanese culture.
Origin –Takasaki City in Gunma.
Associated with the Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple, a centre of Daruma culture.
Shape – It is around, hollow, weighted at the bottom without arms or legs.
Colour – It varies greatly in colour and design depending on region and artist.
It is most commonly available in red.
They also appear in various colours and each carries specific meanings.
Red – Good fortune and Prosperity
White – Love and Harmony
Gold – Wealth and Success
Green – Health and Fitness.
Symbolism – It represents the popular Japanese proverb ‘Nana korobi ya oki,’ meaning fall seven times, get up eight.
Itsymbolises the power of resilience and perseverance.
Traditional Connection – It is based on the legacy of Bodhidharma, an Indian monk from Kancheepuram, founder of Zen Buddhism, called Daruma Daishi in Japan.
Goal-Setting Practice – People colour one eye of the doll before setting a personal goal with the intention of achieving it.
The other eye remains blank until the goal is fulfilled. It serves as a constant reminder to take action toward achieving your goal.
