“Ome Daruma Doll Market(青梅だるま市)” was held at Ome(青梅) in Japan on the 12th of January, 2014. According to the official site, the origin of this market is still unknown . It is said that it was in 1596 or 1441. In either case, this market has histories dating back more than 400 years.
In former days, silk farming was a main industry in Ome.
Skewered “Mayu-Dama(まゆ玉)/Rice Dumpling like silkworm” through a bamboo branch was on the market to make a wish for its prosperity.
Daruma came on the market as a lucky charm around 180 years ago.
After the WWII, sericultural industry fell into decline due to the fact that artificial fiber came to the forefront. Mayu-Dama went away from the market in the mid 1950s. Instead, this market set off on every 12th of January under the name of “Ome Daruma Doll Market“.
Not only local people but people from a long distance come to this market to get Daruma as a lucky charm.
“Tama-Daruma(多摩だるま)” is a local specialty in Ome.
Here are some features of Tama-Daruma which I pick up on the explanation board.
- A face is painted in white, while its face of “Takasaki-Daruma(高崎だるま)” is painted in skin color.
- Eyebrows and beards are depicted simply which makes Tama-Daruma amiable, while eyebrows and hairs of Takasaki-Daruma are wiry and looks stern. Eyebrows and beards of “Saitama-Daruma(埼玉だるま)” are depicted neatly.
In that point, Tama-Daruma has a certain rustic charm. - Tama-Daruma has bags around its eyes to put on an accent around eyes in white face.
- Tama-Daruma wears gold leaf around eyes. Tama-Daruma is blindfolded on the market. These ideas are developed to make Daruma bright, even though Darama has no eyes.
- Some Tama-Daruma wear human’s beards.
Serving passersby “Amazake(甘酒)/Sweet fermented rice drink“
Daruma Dolls are dedicated, as they put an end to its last year’s role.
Daruma Dolls are being burnt
Daruma Dolls with Marilyn Monroe at Bus Stop
Daruma Market
Gold Daruma
Okame(おかめ) Daruma
“Maneki Neko(招き猫)/Beckoning Cat” Daruma
Daruma in various colors
Daruma with various faces
Cute Daruma
Long Beard Daruma
Every 12th on January
1:00PM – 7:00PM
milu's dream traveler 
Ow I bought one months ago. I didn’t even know what it was. So they burn it at the year’s end!? 😦 That means I need to get a new one. I plan to keep mine for display. 😀 Thanks so much for all the info. Glad to have found your blog.
at first, draw an eye with making a wish. then, put on a altar. if your wish come true, you draw another eye. at last, daruma is burnt next year. but, you will back to your country? it’s ok to keep it!!
BTW, very nice images!
thanks a lot!
These are very fascinating. The “beckoning cats” are really cute. 🙂
yeah! especially, placing in the empty space makes looks good!!