Japanese Personal Charm: "Daruma" Doll

One of the most popular talismans of good luck in modern Japan is the armless, legless, and eyeless Daruma doll, or tumbling doll.

Daruma is a traditional, hollow paper doll, which is an abstract representation of Bodhidharma, the Indian founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. Bodhidharma, in the quest for enlightenment, is said to have meditated so long that he lost the use of his arms and legs. The doll is traditionally shown seated in meditation pose, and with the exception of huge eyes, and sketchy beard, the doll's whole body is typically colored red.

Daruma dolls symbolize perseverence. In spite of its round shape and wobbly appearance, the doll’s heavier lower-half keeps it stable and upright. The doll embodies the philosophy of "Nanakorobi yaoki:" "To fall seven times, to rise eight times." This has the meaning of standing up positively even if failing, and reaching an objective. Even if you fall, it is important to get up and try again because the next time you will certainly succeed

Daruma dolls are popular good luck symbols and are often given as gifts to encourage the owner to success. The Zen meditation image of the Daruma is commonly distributed at the beginning of every year. On New Year's Day, people bring their old Daruma-san to a temple or shrine. These old good-luck charms are burned in a big bonfire, and a new Daruma-san is acquired. That way, people believe they start the new year fresh with the best of luck.

To make a wish on a Daruma-san, you first give him the gift of sight by painting in one eye. Then you make your wish and wait. If the wish comes true, you reward your Daruma-san by painting in his other eye. With this second eye for a wish-come-true, he is said to have "both eyes open," which means that there has been success in some endeavor. Daruma-san is not only a good-luck charm but also a symbol for trying hard and being brave.
Source:
https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-soul-of-the-japanese-doll-regional-museum-of-history-plovdiv/JgWxfBA6O1M8IQ?hl=en
http://www.daruma.jp/about.html http://www.highlightsteachers.com/archives/printandread_stories/darumasanby_jerri_garretson.html Interview with Greg Yamaguchi