Who'll Stop the Rain
The Teru Teru Bozu Will
If you come to Japan during the rainy season (June / July) you'll likely see these little dolls hanging in the windows of homes, especially those homes where children are living.
No, these are little ghost dolls to chase away the summer monsters, and they aren't angels to bring good luck, nor are they parents hung in effigy because the kiddies didn't get ice cream for dessert.
They are Teru Teru Bozu, dolls made of white paper or cloth, that are made to drive the rain away. The literal translation is "Shine Shine Monk" (monk of the religious variety). Children (and some adults) make these to pray for a sunny day, especially when they have some outdoor activity planned, such as a school outing. They are supposed to have magical powers to bring good weather and to stop or prevent a rainy day.
So, if you're ready to take a trip to Mt. Fuji, but the weather news is predicting rain, grab a couple of tissues, some thread, and make your own Teru Teru Bozu to hang in the window when you go to sleep and tomorrow you just may wake up to a bright and sunny day.
A quick search on YouTube will turn up a few short videos about Teru Teru Bozu, including the song. Here's one at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnxMcNPE3Z4
Joe Peters
United States
