Daruma://

Pronunciation: (DAH-roo-mah)

English name: Daruma doll

Distinctive features: Round, limbless figure with big eyes and a stern, determined expression. Usually red, but come in all different colours to represent different goals.

Powers: Symbolic perseverance, focus, and resilience. Helps you “keep going” and reach your goals.

Habitat: Temples, homes, or anywhere people put these little goal-setting dolls.

Claim to fame: Based on Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism. Think of it like a pocket-sized cheerleader for persistence. you fill in one of the pupils when you set a goal, then the other upon completion, which makes it really visual and personal.

Common tattoo depictions: Works well small as a single doll or larger as part of a scene. can be made more humanised to be closer to bodidahrma, or kept more abstract as a painted doll. the dollsCan be cracked or battle-worn to show struggle overcome.

Tattoo symbolism: Perseverance, resilience, goal achievement, determination. Perfect for marking personal growth, recovery, or big milestones.