The Guatemalan worry doll is a small handmade doll made from sticks and clothed in a traditional Mayan costume. It originated in Guatemala with a strong presence in Latin American culture. These thumb-size dolls, usually kept under the pillow, are supposed to take the worries away when whispered to them.
Guatemalan Worry Doll
My first Guatemalan worry doll flew together with its bunch to Melbourne, where I picked it up out of curiosity. But, even I find whispering my worries out loud to a small pink-coloured man doll a little too weird. So I kept him by the bedside table, together with my rose quartz for subconscious self-love and hematite crystals, to help me sleep.
The Magical Guatemalan Worry Doll
I understand the point of whispering things out loud to these worry dolls. Saying it out loud, writing your worries or sharing them with someone (in this case, a doll) releases tension and stress. And for a couple of dollars, a worry doll is a good investment, even if it serves as a reminder not to worry as much.
Recently, I got Jik blue pants to worry doll. I felt like she needed it at that time, and hopefully, he too will make her worry less and sleep better.
Guatemalan Worry Doll in Other Culture
I have been researching the equivalent in both Indonesian and Indian cultures. So far I only got Nandi, the divine bull of Lord Shiva, usually found in the Hindu temple. I remember Amma used to whisper her wishes, to one of the Nandi’s ears while cupping the other ear so that the wishes wouldn’t escape and be granted. But that’s more for wishes than worries. The other one, which is also usually kept in the bedroom, is the Dreamcatcher to keep the bad dreams away.
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