Teru Teru Bozu: Japanese rainfall doll

As the rainy season approaches in Japan, you may find little white dolls hanging from apartment balcony and classroom windows. These are all Ah, Trouthe beloved weather doll intends to stop the rain. These dolls are usually made before important outdoor activities such as festivals, sports games and weddings in an attempt to change weather patterns to favor blue skies and endless sunshine.

“Teru Teru Bozu” translates to “Shine Shine Monk”, both dolls resemble bald monks and because they call for miraculous magical power to stop bad weather. Keep reading about the origins of the doll and instructions for making yourself.

The Origin and Evolution of Teru Teru Bozu

Chinese legend

Many people think that Teru Teru Bozu appeared in China first, not Japan. In the most famous origin story, a beautiful girl named Sao Qing Niang prays to the Dragon God to stop the heavy rain from plaguing her village and destroying crops and houses. According to legend, the voice of heaven agreed to clear the sky in exchange for the girl to become the wife of the gods.

As Sao Qing Niang accepts Dragon God’s proposal and climbs into the sky, the clouds and the sun finally break through. In commemorating her sacrifice, it is said that the villagers have begun to make paper dolls, holding small brooms, symbolizing her power to “sweep away” the storm clouds. For generations, these paper dolls were hung near the door and near the gate to summon a clear sky.

hiyoribo woodblock printing works toriyama sekien

Japanese folk customs

Another possible explanation about the existence of Teru Teru Bozu in Japanese culture is around Hiyoribo,strange Yokai (immortal). According to the illustration collection by 18th-century woodcut printing artist Toriyama Sekien, Hiyoribo is a mountain spirit that only appears on clear days and disappears when the storm approaches.

Different from many Yokai Inspiring fear, Hiyoribo is considered kind and embodies the nature of good weather. Sekien’s theory suggests that the weather dolls created by children and women of this era try to commemorate and summon this friendly spirit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek7lzdxquuk

Terrible nursery rhyme

The doll originated from ancient folk traditions, but the name was standardized by a popular 1921 nursery rhyme, which began with: “teru teru bozu, teru bozu, teru bozu, ashita tenki ni shite okure” (“Sunshine, sunshine, sunshine, sunshine, please tomorrow sunshine tomorrow sunshine tomorrow”).

In rhyme, Teru Teru Bozu is asked to bring a sunny sky, and if you are willing to give your wish, the rhyme promises the rhyme monk’s sweet sake. If no wish is given [teru teru bozu’s] leave. ”

How to make Teru Teru Bozu

Rules to follow

Never draw your face first: The most critical rule that goes back to the Edo era is not to draw a face on the doll until you see the sunny weather. Like the Daruma doll, attracting one eye when wishing, and the second time adding a good doll, “Doll on the Face” represents potential – a blank slate ready to accept your weather wishes.

Beware of the curse of inverted reversal: If you accidentally hang the doll upside down, that’s Furry bozu (“Rain Rain Monk”), not teru teru bozu. Basically, you make everything worse. If the weather app is not clear yet, it will surely rain tomorrow.

Select the color carefully: White fabrics are commonly used in teru teru bozu dolls, representing purity, a faint sky. Black fabric is reserved for free fresh bozu – Use rainwater in rare cases.

Don’t draw your face before seeing the sunny sky!

Step by step instructions

Now that you have sufficiently warned about the potential consequences of not following the Teru Teru Bozu production rules, you are ready to bring a person to life.

Material:

• White handkerchief, gauze, tissue paper or fabric waste
• Two elastic bands or soft strings
• Base of the head: solid tissue paper, cotton or fabric
• Hang your doll with a thread or rope

instruct:

1. Wrap white fabric or paper over the spherical form you use as the basis for the head.
2. Collect fabric and secure the neck with elastic or rope.
3. Hang the doll by recording, sewing or tying the rope to the top of the doll’s head or neck. The head may provide a better balance.
4. Fluffy to maximize the mentally-like appearance.
5. If your wish comes true, celebrate the next day’s face. You can then keep the doll or throw it away.

Hanging position:

Hang your Teru Teru Bozu on curtain rods, balcony railings and even trees on the day before important outdoor activities. Try to avoid windy areas to prevent the doll from blowing away.

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