The Legend of “Daruma” And The Origins of The Daruma Doll

part of A Brief History of Toys & Games

By
John
(aka Oaky Wood)Ó2005/06

Long, long ago as the legend goes, there lived an old, wise man. The Chinese called him Tamo. The Japanese, Ottoki, others called him Daruma.

Many say that his real name was Bodhidharma, and that he came from India. Indeed many stories from Indian folklore do in fact mention the man called Bodhidharma.

However, whatever be his name, Daruma was certainly the most popular, all cultures agree however that he was a Buddhist Priest, and a great wise Sage. The word Sage itself means “wise of mind”.

For many years Bodhidharma/Daruma, travelled the lands of the east, teaching and praying, and helping those less fortunate than himself. All until one day.

Tired of his teaching, his travelling, and an unappreciative society, he sat down to meditate.

He sat, and he sat, not for just a day, or a mere week, or even a month……..No Daruma sat in the same spot for nine whole years. Being fed morsels by the local peasants and travellers, who had heard of this oddity, of the sitting man.

During those long years, many goaded him, jeering abuse, and made bets on who could make this great Sage Daruma move. Nobody ever succeeded, he just sat there undaunted by these tricksters.

When at last Daruma decided that enough was enough, and tried to get up, he couldn’t, for over such a long period of not being used, his legs had just withered away to just mere stumps. This did at first worry Daruma, but not for long.

The story of Daruma, whether it is true or not is uncertain and unproven, but some peoples say that he continued his travels by rolling along. Who knows, but a charming story all the same. 

Daruma has become a symbol of endurance, and for that reason the little doll, which represents him, however much you try to push him over, can never be knocked down, little legless Daruma always stands upright and proud.

Japan was the first country to actually make these fascinating toys from wood, paper, or dried gourd type fruits. Their famous egg shape has stood the age of time and toy manufacturers today produce fascinating variations in durable plastic forms, which both children and adults alike find endearing and captivating.

By
John
(aka Oaky Wood)Ó2005/06

Oaky Wood was a qualified professional toy maker / designer running his own craft workshops for over 10 years in the UK, and is currently retired through ill health. His main business now is designing and running his own websites The Oakwood Grafix Group http://oakwoodgrafix.co.uk/ and is currently developing “The Corner 4 Women” an eZine for every woman, http://thecorner4women.com and is the resident Agony Uncle, article writer and poet

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