Baby Daruma doll leaning on Papa Daruma in flames at Futaarayama Shrine.
Here is why we burn Daruma dolls
Daruma doll is a Japanese doll that represents the founder (or transmitter) of Zen school of Buddhism, Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma is depicted as wearing red cloth while performing zen - he sits down with his eyes closed.
In Japan we have a custom to buy a Daruma doll when you are planning to accomplish something. When you make a wish, you paint the left eye of the doll. When your mission is completed, you paint the remaining eye of Daruma.
Then you are supposed to bring your daruma with both eyes “opened” back to either temple or shrine where you purchased it for an annual ritual ceremony called “Daruma Kuyo”. Monks perform a ritual ceremony to express gratitude and daruma dolls are put in a fire after the ceremony.
If you are curious about our local ceremony during which Daruma dolls are burned, please visit our post on Budget Trouble blog.
This is a Black and White Weekend and Scenic Sunday entry.
This image is amazing! Love how the flames look like.
ReplyDeleteFascinating with such a close-up of flames and smoke. I must try that once.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me wonder-why are the dolls in the flames??
ReplyDeleteI love the design, and the flames are wonderful. I find flames difficult to photograph.
ReplyDeleteWhy are they burning the dolls? Please explain this.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting photograph! It's like the dolls are swimming in a sea of fire.
ReplyDeleteThis is the most fascinating post. I love learning about customs of different religions and cultures. This one is so interesting and really lends itself to black and white photography. The flames are so cool. Hope the undertaking was a success.
ReplyDeleteううぅ・・ ちょっと見るのが辛いです。(;д;)
ReplyDelete赤ちゃん達磨とお父さん達磨。
またすぐに生まれ変わって皆の夢をかなえてあげてね。 ありがとう！ 待ってるよ。
Wonderful picture and thanks for explaning....Have a nice weekend...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful image with fantastic shapes and tones.
ReplyDeleteSo, it's kind of.. like a tradition.. when you're making a wish. Fascinating..
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the picture looks great.. It's a nice shot of the flame, and the doll being engulfed by it.
I also have an entry for BWW. Hope you could visit back.. =)
http://neneleah30.blogspot.com/2010/11/morning-dew.html
Good range of tones and captured precisely right!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of the flames and the interesting doll.
ReplyDeletehttp://foto.rudenius.se/post/2010/11/13/Scenic-Sunday.aspx
Great shot and an interesting explanation. I'd never heard of this before, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI rather like this custom. It ritualizes wishing and gratitude, taking and giving back in a way. Your b&w image of the doll in flames is lovely, and I like the color version too.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting post and very artistic. But I don't understand what it has to do with Scenic Sunday. Forgive me if I am missing something.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting story of Daruma Doll and amazing photo! The flames are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteRegards Halina
Very interesting to here the story behind the picture, nice shot with the flames..
ReplyDeleteAnna
This is the most intriguing photo I've come across in a long time. It's beautifully done. Thanks for sharing the story explaining the custom. Absolutely fascinating!
ReplyDeleteKat
http://inmydreamssfk.blogspot.com/
Waw, that is stunning! great capture!
ReplyDeleteHow fascinating... love those flames in black and white too.
ReplyDelete