Daruma

Daruma figures are found in Japan and are thought to be something to do with Buddhism and Zen. They are also used as part of the New Year celebrations. When we were in Japan it was New Year and on the evening of the New Year in Nikko where we were staying, huge bonfires were lit and the old Darumas burnt.

The Daruma has two eyes left unpainted, and these are used for goal setting - one eye is coloured as you make the goal and the other eye is coloured when you achieve it.