Have you ever seen a white cloth doll looking like a ghost hanging in the homes and some places in Japan? This doll is called Teru Teru Bozu and in this article we will see some curiosities about this bald doll, its song and its origin.
This doll made of cloth is hung on the edge of houses with the hope that the weather will be good the next day.
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Meaning of Teru Teru Bozu
In Japan, children are taught from an early age about the wonderful powers of Teru Teru Bozu [てるてるぼうず] literally means something like bright bald head (referring to monks).
Easily constructed from two squares of fabric or cloth, the doll is made in such a way that it represents the bald head of a monk. It can also be called teruteru houshi, terere bozu, hiyori bouzo depending on the region.
It is built while the weather is good, which keeps its head dry and shiny (since it won't get wet). It is usually hung in the window wishing for the rain to stop and the weather to remain good.
Origin of Teru Teru Bozu
While the tradition is well-practiced and well-known, many Japanese remain uncertain about the doll's origins. It seems that this custom arose in the middle of the Edo Period due to the similarities with origami dolls and names mentioned in the literature.
The origins of the "talisman" Teru Teru Bozu remain vague. Some say that the obscure lyrics at the end of the song refer to a "good weather monk," who was able to bring good weather with an enchantment.
However, after promising good time to a feudal gentleman, the sun did not appear as promised and the monk's head was cut as punishment. It is said that the head of the monk was wrapped in a cloth and hanging out to stop the rain and bring the sun.
The less horrible story suggests that the “talismã” represents a yokai (mountain spirit) called Hiyoribo, who brings good weather and cannot be seen on rainy days. "
In China, there is a paper doll cut with a sword in hand, a squirrel girl, and the resemblance between her and Teruterubouzu has already been pointed out in Sakakibara Takasu during the Edo period.
Appearances in Anime
The Teru Teru Bozu has appeared as a reference in various anime; we have separated some scenes, see if you recognize each anime? I remember its appearance in the classic anime Detective Conan.
Song Teru Teru Bozu
There is a classic song that talks a little about this doll. Below we will see the lyrics of the song teru teru bozu in Japanese, romanized, its translation and some videos of the song. The music is from the year 1921 written by Kagamimura Asahara and composed by Shinpei Nakayama.
Song Lyrics Teru Teru Bozu in Japanese
てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず
明日天気にしておくれ
いつかの夢の空のように
晴れたら金の鈴あげよ
てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず
明日天気にしておくれ
私の願いを聞いたなら
甘いお酒をたんと飲ましょ
てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず
明日天気にしておくれ
それでも曇って泣いてたら
そなたの首をちょんと切るぞ
Romanized Lyrics of the Song Teru Teru Bozu
Teru-teru-bōzu, teru bōzu
Ashita tenki ni shite o-kure
Itsuka no yume no sora no yō ni
Haretara kin no suzu ageyo
Teru-teru-bōzu, teru bōzu
Ashita tenki ni shite o-kure
Watashi no negai wo kiita nara
Amai o-sake wo tanto nomasho
Teru-teru-bōzu, teru bōzu
Ashita tenki ni shite o-kure
Sorete mo kumotte naitetara
Sonata no kubi wo chon to kiru zo
Translation of the song Teru Teru Bozu
- Teru teru bozu, teru bozu.
- Make tomorrow a sunny day.
- Like the sky of a dream I had.
- If it's sunny, I will give you a golden bell.
- Teru teru bozu, teru bozu.
- Make tomorrow a sunny day.
- If my dream comes true.
- We will drink a lot of sweet wines made from rice.
- Teru teru bozu, teru bozu.
- Make tomorrow a sunny day.
- But if it rains, you will be crying.
- So I will cut off your head with scissors.