5th April – 卯月
こけし (Kokehsi), also written as 子芥子, is the traditional wooden doll in Japan. It consists of round part with column and is drew face, hair plus Kimono.
In the end of Edo era, Kokeshi were sold in the hot spring hotels in Tohoku area. At that time, people went to the hot spring to heal the illness as hot spring was believed to be good for sick. Many of those people are farmers and called 湯治客 (Touji kyaku), they stay in the hotels for long term.
Kokeshi is believed to have the power for mind and body recovery plus wish for great harvest. It is considered that Kokeshi is connected to gods in mountains, therefore Kokeshi is still known as a lucky item.
Kokeshi, the name came from the looks of the kids in the edo era. During that time, parents cut their childrens’ hair in a particular way (both boys and girls); leave the hair on the top part and shave the rest. This hair style was called as 芥子坊主(Keshi bouzu), Keshi means poppy flower in Japanese and people thought this hair style looked like it.
On the other hand, there was an another rumors about the origin of the Kokeshi name. After the war, Japan was very poor and many households with kids could not give enough food for all kids. Therefore, some parents abandon the kids (間引き, Mabiki / 口減らし, Kuchi herashi). Instead of the memorial service, they got Kokeshi which looked like kids and place it at home. However, this rumor has no fact confirmation so this might be made up by somebody.
Kokeshi design varies depending on the region and there are more than 10 different shape / style Kokeshi. It is relaxing to just look at them, so if you have a chance to come to Japan, why don’t you get one as a souvenir for your home?:)
Little Japan Dictionary 