Teru Teru Bozu Weather Control Doll in Japanese Culture

Teru Teru Bozu, also known as the sunshine doll, is a traditional icon of Japanese culture believed to have the ability to control the weather. Its’ name derives from Teru, which means shiny, and Bozu, which means monk. It reminds me of Jizo, the Japanese culture’s protector of children and travellers.

Teru Teru Bozu

I am fascinated by Teru Teru Bozu as much as I am with the dreamcatcher. My first Teru Teru Bozu was given to me almost two decades ago by a girl who eventually became my best friend. When she gave it to me to build a friendship, she slipped a note that said it was supposed to keep me happy. “To push your sadness away” were her exact words.

Forever sceptical young me “huh”-ed her gift of “hanging ghost”. But I knew her intention was good, so I hung it on my childhood bedroom window. Eventually, the internet came along, and that’s when I first learned about Teru Teru Bozu. The real meaning of it and its’ connection with Japanese culture. Its’ “power” of preventing the rain is equivalent to an Indian’s superstition of burning an incense stick, or the Indonesian version of it by placing a chilli on a stick.

Japanese Souvenir

Years later, I saw it sold as a souvenir on my Japan trip. I bought two. One for me and one for her. When I gave it to her to recite the old note she gave me, she said she couldn’t remember.

I don’t know how she sees her doll. Maybe it’s just a Japanese souvenir (Omiyage) for her, but for me, it has constantly reminded me of her kindness and the start of our friendship. Lots of meaning and memories are packed into a small hanging cloth.

Teru Teru Bozu DIY and Tattoo

It’s pretty easy to DIY the doll. You need some cotton/tissue, any kind of cloth and a rope to assemble it before drawing the face on it.

Recently, we talked about getting a tattoo together on our Scandinavian trip. I am trying to convince her to get the doll tattoo together. I will give you an update.

Ps. A Japanese reader told me if you want the doll to invite the rain instead of preventing it, you ought to hang it upside down by the window. I am so going to try this during the summer.

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