Early on in this blog I described the belief that dolls are special because they are vessels. They are both empty and humanoid, making them particularly receptive for spirits of all kinds. This belief is found in many different cultures across the world, though perhaps none as much as Japan.
Called the Okiku Doll after its original owner, this doll was said to have been purchased in 1918 by Okiku's older brother Eikichi Suzuki. He bought it as a souvenir for his sister, who was two years old at the time. The story says that he brought it home and little Okiku fell in love with it, spending a great deal of time with the doll.
Tragically, Okiku died not long after, apparently from a cold or similar illness. After her death, family members began to notice something odd about the doll she left behind. When purchased the doll had short, bob-style hair. After Okiku's death however, the hair began to grow and grow. The family took this as a sign that their daughter's spirit had taken refuge in the doll.
The Okiku Doll now resides at the Mannenji Temple, and the hair apparently still grows. It is periodically trimmed, but never fails to keep its length.
*Information and images from: PinkTentacle, and The Winchester Huntings.
No comments:
Post a Comment