2023.06.16
Do you know “Teru teru bozu”?
Do you know "teru teru bozu"?
You may see this character around June when you walk around the streets in Japan.
↓Teru Teru Teru Bozu
You may see this character around June when you walk around the streets in Japan.
↓Teru Teru Teru Bozu
Japan has a season called ”梅雨 Tsuyu”, which means the rainy season from June to July.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the rainy season began in Tokyo on June 8 this year and will last until late July. Although this season is important for storing plenty of water before the hot summer season, it is a problem when it rains on the day when you have an event.
In Japan, since as far back as the Heian period (784-1185), it has been customary to make “Teru teru bozu” before the day you hope for fine weather during such a rainy season.
It is generally called "Teru teru (Shine Shine) bozu" because it is a wish for clear skies (“日が照る Hi ga Teru” :Shining sun) the next day. There is a theory that this custom was started in imitation of the Chinese custom of hanging dolls called "掃晴娘 So Seijo" to wish for fine weather, or of monks chanting sutras to make the rain stop.
In Japan, many schools (especially kindergartens, nursery schools, and elementary schools) hold events such as sports festivals and field trips from late May to early June, and children who do not want it to rain on the event day make “Teru teru bozu” and display them by the classroom windows.
It is easy to make “Teru teru bozu”. First, you roll up a piece of tissue or white paper, cover it with a new piece of tissue or paper, and fasten it with a ribbon or rubber band. Then they hang it near the window.
Please try to make it when you pray for a sunny day.
Please note that hanging it upside down has the opposite effect and is said to bring rain!
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the rainy season began in Tokyo on June 8 this year and will last until late July. Although this season is important for storing plenty of water before the hot summer season, it is a problem when it rains on the day when you have an event.
In Japan, since as far back as the Heian period (784-1185), it has been customary to make “Teru teru bozu” before the day you hope for fine weather during such a rainy season.
It is generally called "Teru teru (Shine Shine) bozu" because it is a wish for clear skies (“日が照る Hi ga Teru” :Shining sun) the next day. There is a theory that this custom was started in imitation of the Chinese custom of hanging dolls called "掃晴娘 So Seijo" to wish for fine weather, or of monks chanting sutras to make the rain stop.
In Japan, many schools (especially kindergartens, nursery schools, and elementary schools) hold events such as sports festivals and field trips from late May to early June, and children who do not want it to rain on the event day make “Teru teru bozu” and display them by the classroom windows.
It is easy to make “Teru teru bozu”. First, you roll up a piece of tissue or white paper, cover it with a new piece of tissue or paper, and fasten it with a ribbon or rubber band. Then they hang it near the window.
Please try to make it when you pray for a sunny day.
Please note that hanging it upside down has the opposite effect and is said to bring rain!
