How Teru Teru Bozu weather charms ward off the rain in Japan

Known as “teru teru bozu,” these cute dolls are traditional Japanese weather charms used to ward off the rain and wish for sunny weather. In this article, let’s explore with GoEMON to know why this doll is such a special and crucial part of Japanese culture, as well as how to make one yourself at home! 

1. What is a teru teru bozu

Source: japantoday

Teru teru bozu (also known as 照る照る坊主 or てるてる坊主 in Japanese), is a traditional handmade doll used as a form of weather charm to ward off the rain in Japan. The doll is relatively small in size and is usually around the size of one’s hand and was popularized during the Edo period. They are especially famous among young children who learn about these dolls from a nursery rhyme. Additionally, the ideal time to hang these dolls is one day before the day you are wishing for good weather. Thus, many Japanese children make dolls while singing the song to wish for good weather on the day of their school field trip. 

In general, teru teru bozu dolls are used to ward off the rain and wish for sunny weather. However, the opposite can also apply: it all depends on how the doll is hung. If the doll is hung head up, then the general wish for sunny weather applies, but if they are hung head down, then it means that the person wants it to rain. Be careful not to make a mistake! 

2. History and meaning behind the name of teru teru bozu

Now that we know what teru teru bozu is, let’s take a closer look into the history and meaning behind its name. 

The first is in terms of its name.  In Japanese, 照る means shine and 坊主 mean shaved head, so teru teru bozu can be literally translated as “shine shine bald head”. This name directly relates to the history of these weather dolls, which generally have 2 versions. 

The first, which is also the more tame version, is that “bozu” here refers to a monk’s bald head, which will shine during sunny weather. It also refers to how monks have the power to alter the weather by stopping or preventing rain from coming. 

Source: Soranews24

The other version; however, takes a much darker turn. According to this legend, a long time ago in ancient Japan, there was a monk who said that he has the ability to ward off the rain and bring fine weather. Thus, he promised the villagers whose crops had been damaged by continuous rain that he could bring back the sun. Sadly, the sun did not come as per his promise, and thus the villagers had chopped off his head as a form of punishment. They then wrapped his head in a piece of cloth and hung outside. Strangely, the rain magically stopped after this. From then on, the Japanese had the tradition of creating dolls similar to the punishment in the past as a form of praying for good weather. 

There is also another different theory, suggesting that the doll does not represent a monk but rather a yokai named Hiyoribo who cannot be found outside on rainy days. 

3. What to do with the doll afterward 

If the weather ends up being sunny the day after the doll is hung, people would draw a smiley face on the doll and pour sake over it as a form of expressing gratitude. On the other hand, if it rains, people would float the doll down a river in the old days or simply throw it away in the garbage. 

4. The meaning and significance of teru teru bozu in Japanese culture

The simple teru teru bozu dolls have become a symbol of hope and belief in supernatural powers for Japanese people, especially among children and farmers. The simple yet cute image of teru teru bozu, along with its innocent, pure face symbolizes the purity and innocence of children. The dolls are seen as a way to help Japanese children connect with nature and learn to appreciate good weather. This is also an interesting and fun activity that helps kids foster hope and positivity! 

5. How to make teru teru bozu at home 

Teru teru bozu are super simple to make and only require several materials: some tissue paper, a piece of cloth (optional), a piece of string, and a rubber band.

The steps are as follows: 

Step 1: Crumple the pieces of tissue paper to form a small ball 

Step 2: Put the ball in the center of a piece of cloth (or tissue paper) and wrap it

Step 3: Use a rubber band to hold the ball in place

Step 4: Use the string to hang the doll up

Have you ever made a teru teru bozu doll before? If you have, was the next day sunny or rainy? If you haven’t, why not try making one to wish for sunny weather during this moody rainy season? Let us know in the comments down below! 

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Cover Source: Scienceinfo.net