Friday, September 4, 2015

What the Heck Is a Teru Teru Bōzu?

paper doll, hanging

Spooky Looking Things

 

 

Somewhere in the past, I've run across these things hanging from trees.

Now, I can't remember if it was in a museum photo, a magazine or, online somewhere.

With Halloween approaching, I've been meaning to hunt one of them down.

And, after doing some research, give you a story about the little rag dolls.

It all came together this morning, when I saw one on Facebook.

Teru Teru Bōzu ( 照る照る坊主) are Japanese dolls, you can make from cloth or paper.

In Japan, kids are taught to make and hang them, the day before a special event.

It is believed, the next day, the sun will shine and, there will be no rain. 



This One Was Made from Two Tissue Papers

 

 

The instructions were found at Japan Reference and, I made my own in 5 minutes.

You can probably do it a lot faster; there wasn't any string in my office.

A pipe-cleaner, I found in my desk was an alright substitute.

Not certain there's any scientific evidence, to back me up but, so far, it hasn't rained all day.

We'll have to wait and see, how things turn out tomorrow and, I can hardly wait.



It's Only a Nursery Rhyme 


But, if it rains tomorrow, I get to cut doll's head off !

Hopefully, the people over at Japan Reference won't mind me sharing this translation:

"Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu

Do make tomorrow a sunny day

Like the sky in a dream sometime

If it’s sunny I’ll give you a golden bell.



Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu
Do make tomorrow a sunny day
If you make my wish come true

We’ll drink lots of sweet sake.


Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu

Do make tomorrow a sunny day

but if it’s cloudy and I find you crying (i.e. it’s raining)

Then I shall snip your head off."

 

 

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