A big success among locals: The "daruma city" at Dairokuten Temple/Chigasaki

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1312280011/

December 28, 2013

All lined up together, a "city" of various sized darumas=Dairokuten Temple

The Daruma City, an annual end of the year tradition, was held on the 27th at the Dairokuten Temple in San-Chome, Jukkenzaka, Chigasaki City. Daruma of various sizes were lined up, as locals packed the area to purchase them for use in the New Year.

According to the temple, the annual event began over 50 years ago. This is said to be the only place to find a "daruma city" within Chigasaki. This year, 10 daruma stores from Hiratsuka City gathered for the event, also selling shimenawa decorative ropes and household Shinto altars.

To sell their Darumas, shopkeepers struck flint stones while dancing and yelling out "Yoooiyoi!" as they prayed for safety in their homes and success in business.

As a family of 6 approached the shops, a local female (age 65) said with a smile "Even though I buy lucky amulets at the super markets, I still shop at the daruma city each year. I wish to pray for the health of children as I decorate with them."


Original text:
地元客で盛況、第六天神社で「だるま市」／茅ケ崎
2013年12月28日

さまざまな大きさのだるまがずらりと並んだ市＝第六天神社

年末の恒例行事「だるま市」が２７日、茅ケ崎市十間坂３丁目の第六天神社で開かれた。さまざまな大きさのだるまがずらりと並び、正月用品を買い求める地元客らでにぎわった。

同神社によると、５０年ほど前から毎年行われており、市内で開催されるだるま市はこの１カ所だけという。今年は平塚市のだるま店など１０店ほどが集まり、しめ縄飾りや神棚なども販売された。

だるまが売れると、店員が火打ち石を鳴らしながら「ヨヨヨイヨイ」と威勢のいい掛け声と手拍子で、家内安全や商売繁盛などを祈願した。

家族６人で訪れた近くに住む女性（６５）は「スーパーでも買えるけど、縁起ものなので毎年だるま市で購入している。子どもたちの健康を願って飾りたい」と笑顔で話した。