[Miyagi Prefecture] Why is Sendai's lucky charm, the Matsukawa Daruma, blue? Explore its origin

``Matsukawa Daruma'' is a traditional craft of Sendai, Sendai Hariko, and is made as a representative lucky charm . Some people may find it strange that the Daruma doll has a distinctive blue color compared to the commonly seen Daruma dolls.

Few people know why Matsukawa Daruma is blue. Therefore, this time we will explain the famous Matsukawa Daruma in Sendai, including its origin.

Characteristics of Matsukawa Daruma

Matsukawa Daruma has long been a popular stop for the common people. Its distinctive feature is its blue appearance and the fact that both eyes are pre-drawn.

It is said that the wide-open eyes are written on both eyes to represent a god who watches in all directions, and to take into consideration Date Masamune's single-eyed character.

with Daikoku, one of the lucky seven gods said to be favored by Date military commanders , treasure ships , plum blossoms , and gold powder , making it a luxurious decoration that bestows good fortune.

There are 8 sizes ranging from small to small. There is also a custom that celebrates a bigger festival every year by aligning eight Matsukawa Daruma dolls to symbolize falling down seven times and getting up eight times.

Osaki Hachiman Shrine in Sendai , a 1 meter long Matsukawa Daruma doll is dedicated to pray for good health.

The origin of the blue color of Matsukawa Daruma

The red daruma dolls that you see in other places originated in the past when there was an epidemic and people were praying for prayers. It is said that the red color was believed to ward off evil spirits, so Daruma dolls painted red were used to ward off evil spirits.

So why is Matsukawa Daruma blue?

It is said that Matsukawa Daruma dolls were first made by Toyonoshin Matsukawa, a retainer of the Date clan, during the Great Famine, and people entrusted their wishes to the Daruma dolls to overcome the hardships of the famine. Blue is ultramarine and was considered a noble color favored by samurai. , and is said to reflect the natural scenery of Sendai

Legend has it that it is similar to a red daruma, but the red daruma is said to ward off evil spirits , while the blue Matsukawa daruma is prayed for good health

Where you can buy Matsukawa Daruma

Matsukawa Daruma are only made in one place, so they are only sold in a limited number of places, but they can also be purchased at online shops.

In Miyagi Prefecture, Matsukawa Daruma dolls are also sold at stalls during Donto Festival

The Donto Festival is an event held on January 14th every year, where pine decorations are cooked, and the Matsukawa Daruma dolls that have finished their role are also cooked, and new Matsukawa Daruma dolls are welcomed to pray for good health throughout the year.

Osaki Hachiman Shrine

Matsukawa Daruma are displayed at street stalls during New Year's visit and Donto Festival, but Osaki Hachimangu Shrine sells them year-round as a symbol of continuation of the technique.

The Matsukawa Daruma doll, approximately 1 meter in size, is dedicated to Osaki Hachimangu Shrine.

INFORMATION

• Name: Osaki Hachiman Shrine
• Address: 4-6-1 Yawata, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
• Phone number: 022-234-3606
• URL: Osaki Hachiman Shrine homepage
• Business hours: 9:00~17:00
• Closed days: None

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Hongo Daruma-ya

This is how Hongo Darumaya is said.

``Sendai Hariko,'' which has been popular in the faith of Sendai's common people since ancient times, is said to have been created by Toyonoshin Matsukawa, a samurai of the Date clan, during the Tenpo era. The first generation, Hisasaburo Hongo, who became Mr. Matsukawa's disciple, inherited all of the unique techniques and structure formation, and the tenth generation, Mr. and Mrs. Hisakata and Naoko, have inherited it.

Source: Sendai Travel Weather

Hongo Daruma-ya continues to inherit the tradition and continue to make them even today. It is a craft that I hope will continue to be passed on to future generations.

INFORMATION

• Name: Hongo Daruma-ya
• Location: 4-32-12 Kabira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
• Phone number: 022-347-4837
• URL: Hongo Darumaya homepage
• Business hours: 9:00~18:00
• Closed days: Irregular holidays

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Kokeshi Shimanuki

Kokeshi no Shimanuki is a shop that sells traditional crafts in Sendai.

In addition to Matsukawa Daruma, we also carry many other traditional crafts from Miyagi Prefecture, such as kokeshi dolls, and you can purchase them at our online shop.

INFORMATION

• Name: Kokeshi Shimanuki main store
• Address: 3-1-17 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
• Phone number: 022-223-2370
• URL: Kokeshi Shimanuki main store homepage
• Business hours: 10:30~19:00
• Closed: 3rd Wednesday of every month (excluding August) / New Year's Day

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Matsukawa Daruma is a guardian deity that lives in modern times

We introduced Matsukawa Daruma from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The feelings behind the blue Matsukawa Daruma are also closely related to the modern wish for good health.

The powerful appearance of Matsukawa Daruma's wide-open eyes makes me feel reliable. Why not welcome them and wish them good health and safety for your family throughout the year?