Okiagari Roly-poly Doll - Protection Jizo

Jizo is a representation of Buddha Jizo Bosatsu, one of the most popular in Japan. He is not only the patron saint of travellers but also the protector of children and motherhood. Traditionally the Japanese make him abundant offerings of food. They adorn the statues of Jizo with a wool scarf and hat for him not to be cold and a red bib not to get dirty.

Okiagari-koboshi means "little monk who stands up". It is a traditional Japanese roly-poly doll made with papier-mâché. It is designed in such a way that it always returns to the vertical position, even if you try to tip it to one side. Okiagaris have been a part of Japanese children's toys for a long time. They were already mentioned in writings of the fourteenth century. During the Tokaichi or Tenth Day Market, customers drop a few dolls at a time and the ones that remain standing are said to bring good fortune.

Okiagaris symbolize perseverance and resistance in times of adversity. They remind this old Japanese proverb: “Fall seven times, stand up eight”. According to tradition, a doll is given to each person in the family plus one, in the hope that a baby will be born during the year.