Daruma Burning Ceremonies: Winter Purification Traditions in Japan

The Daruma doll is a well-known Japanese symbol of resilience and good fortune. Inspired by Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, these round, hollow dolls are rich in symbolism and often gifted as a gesture of encouragement. Beyond their role as good luck charms, Daruma dolls are linked to goal-setting and are traditionally burned come the new year to honor and release their spirit, marking gratitude and renewal for the year ahead.

What Are Daruma Dolls?

This doll, shaped like a sphere with a weighted bottom, originated from Takasaki in the Shorinzan Daruma Temple. Originally, Darumas were created as New Year’s charms, designed to attract good luck and prevent the bad for the coming year. The art of creating Daruma dolls started when the ninth priest, Togaku, decided that he wanted to include the parishioners in making their own charms. In due course, it began to symbolize tenacity and good fortune in winning over and surpassing adversities. The saying “Nanakorobi Yaoki,” which literally translates to “seven times down, eight times up,” quickly became popular and heavily associated with this now beloved doll. In Takasaki, where it was first discovered and known to be produced, an annual Daruma Doll Festival is held to symbolize good luck and fortune.

Many people attend Shorinzan temple, where freshly crafted Daruma dolls are sold, resulting in sales exceeding 400,000 a year. It’s one of the most popular places to visit come the beginning of the new year. The daruma dolls are also colored according to different wishes in life, such as money, love, and health. Another meaning behind this doll comes from its eyes, and how they are painted, the typical one coloured-in one blank is meant to represent one eye being open and the other closed, signifying that a goal or wish has been made. The second eye only opens upon the completion of the goal.

Significance of the Burning Ceremony

In Japanese tradition, the burning of Daruma dolls holds significant meaning. It might seem like a harsh thing to do, but fire is thought to purify; thus, burning represents the giving up of previous goals and beginning anew. The ceremony is considered a “memorial service” honoring the purpose of the doll and marking the end of the year. The burning of the Daruma is spiritual renewal; it washes away previous struggles and begins a new life, thus giving people a feeling of purification and bonding with their goals.

How Daruma Burning Ceremonies Are Conducted

Every year in early February, the Nishi-Arai Daishi Temple in northern Tokyo hosts the Daruma Burning Ceremony, where people bring their retired Daruma dolls to be burned in a ritual known as ‘daruma kuyo.’ The Daruma Doll’s symbolism of good luck and personal resolutions begins with one blank eye filled in to show that a wish or goal has been made. Once the wish is fulfilled or the goal is completed, both eyes will be filled, and the doll has officially fulfilled its purpose, allowing it to be laid to rest. During the ceremony, Buddhist monks, led by Yamabushi mountain monks, chant sutras as the Daruma dolls are set ablaze on a large pyre. The flames, which can reach several meters in height, are said to purify the dolls, releasing their spirits.

Getting There

As mentioned, Nishi-Arai Daishi Temple is the pinnacle when it comes to Daruma burning, and it’s super easy to get to. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Daishimae Station on the Tobu Daishi Line.

Nishi-Arai Daishi Temple

Address: 1-15-1 Nishiarai, Adachi-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Other Shrines Offering Similar Services:

But if you’re not in Tokyo come this time of year, not to worry. Other shrines across the country also offer their version of Daruma Burning Ceremonies so you can make sure to send off the previous year with respect and begin the new year right.

Shorinzan Darumaji Temple

Address: 296 Hanadakamachi, Takasaki

Access:

• About 15 minutes on foot from Gunma-Yawata Station
• About 20 minutes by bus from Takasaki Station
• About 20 minutes by car from Maebashi IC of Kan-Etsu Expressway

Dairyū-ji Temple

Address: 2339 Awano, Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, 502-0001, Japan

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Address: 4-7-1 Zaifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Office

Access: 5 mins walk from Nishitetsu “Dazaifu Station.” Approximately 20 minutes from the Dazaifu IC and Chikushino IC of the Kyushu Expressway.

Shirayama-Hime Shrine

Address: Ni-105-1 Sannomiyamachi, Hakusan

Access: From Hokuriku Rail Road, Tsurugi Station, ride the City Bus, get off at Ichinomiya Stop and walk 10 min.

Daruma Dolls in Modern Japan

In modern Japan, these dolls are symbols of good luck and perseverance. They are often placed in homes, shops, and restaurants, believed to bring protection, prosperity, and success. Daruma dolls painted in gold or yellow are especially popular for attracting wealth and financial fortune. Despite their affordability, these dolls carry deep cultural significance, as many are handcrafted by artisans using traditional techniques. For the Japanese, Daruma symbolizes the importance of resilience and determination in achieving personal and professional goals. This enduring tradition keeps these popular charms a meaningful part of daily life, blending cultural heritage with modern aspirations.

The Daruma burning ceremony beautifully reflects Japan’s dedication to preserving traditions while fostering hope for the future. It symbolizes gratitude for past blessings and the renewal of goals. This meaningful ritual connects communities, inspiring perseverance and reminding us of the importance of honoring cultural heritage while embracing new beginnings. So to bring the best of luck to your goals for the new year make sure to grab a Daruma Doll for yourself. Then, when all is said and done, send off your little Daruma right, giving thanks to all the prosperity and luck he has brought you over the past year.

Featured Photo Credit: gotokyo.org

After grabbing your Daruma Doll to set your goals for the new year, come and experience Japanese cuisine at a deeper level with one of our local food tours.