Japanese Daruma Calendar

The Japanese Daruma Figure

The Daruma originated in the 18th century as a good luck charm for the upcoming year. The temple where they originated created a mould for the local people to make their own Daruma figures each year that are based on the Zen monk Bodhidharma.
 

Nowadays we get a Daruma when we wish for good luck with a goal we’ve set. The Daruma comes with two blank eyes—the first one is painted when a goal is made and later, when our goal is realised, the second eye is painted. It’s a way of being mindful about the goals we set. You can see Daruma figures of various sizes all around Japan.

How to Use 

This Daruma Calendar is a modern take on keeping track of your goals but it goes back to the tradition of making your own figure. Print all the pieces and at the start of the year and place your goal, written on paper, in the Daruma base. At the end of January place the first slice on top of the base. At the end of each following month add one more slice until the end of the year when the Daruma is capped and your goal is complete.

1. Write your goal on the paper cut to 75 x 150 mm
2. Roll the paper and put it into the base
3. At the end of each month add one layer to the base
4. At the end of the year your goal is complete

• Optional: use cyanoacrylate adhesive to cement each month to the base

Japanese Kanji Guide for Months