Okiagaris Momotaro Le Brave

Description

Momotaro is the main character of a Japanese children's story. Once upon a time, there was an old lady and an old man who were very lonely because they could not have children. One day they saw a huge peach floating in the river. They brought it home and from the peach -momo in Japanese- came out a strong and healthy baby: their wish had been granted. Momotaro grew up surrounded by love and became a brave boy: he defeated all the demons of Onigashima Island and became a hero for its inhabitants. Okiagari-koboshi literally means "little priest standing up". It is a traditional Japanese tumbler made of papier-mâché and designed in such a way that it always returns to the upright position when tilted to the side. Japanese children have been playing with okiagari-koboshi for a long time; they already appear in writings from the 14th century. During the Tokaichi or Tenth Day Market, customers drop several okiagari on the ground at the same time; those who stand upright are the lucky ones. Okiagaris are a symbol of perseverance and resistance in the face of adversity. They echo the Japanese proverb: "Seven times down, eight times up". According to the tradition, one tumbler is bought for each member of the family plus one, in the hope that a baby will be born within a year.