Rainy season ideas: ④ "Teru Teru Bozu"

Teru Teru Bozu (てるてる坊主) are a Japan only talisman against rain. They are made out of white tissue, paper or cloth. Some people say they look like dolls, but to me they look like ghosts! Especially as they are hung from eaves. They are made to ward off rain and bring sunny weather. They are a popular custom, particularly during the rainy season. They are often made by children in the hope of bringing a dry day for a special occasion, like a sporting event or school outing.

But its not just children that make them and they are not just hung in private houses. You can see them in various places during the rainy season. For example, in one of my local hot springs they make teru teru bozu out of unclaimed towels! Moreover, some shrines make beautiful displays with dozens of teru teru bozu hanging from trellis or eaves. One such shrine display pictured above.

If you are in Japan during rainy season, how about making one of your own! You can even make them out of toilet paper! Just bunch up a couple of sheets of toilet paper, then wrap that in a sheet of paper and use an elastic band to make the head shape, and voila! Have you ever made / hung a teru teru bozu before?