岐阜県·工芸品
Hida Sarubobo
When visiting Hida, you will inevitably notice these red dolls in shop windows. They are known as 'Sarubobo.' Sarubobo is a traditional Hida doll, believed to originate from katashiro (paper/clay effigies) brought from China during the Nara period. In the Hida dialect, it means 'baby monkey.' Historically, they were handmade and passed down from mothers to daughters or grandmothers to grandchildren, cherished as amulets for safe childbirth and the healthy growth of children. As a lucky charm, the name carries dual meanings: the sound 'en' (from monkey/猿) represents good connections and family harmony, while 'saru' (to leave/去る) symbolizes the departure of illness and misfortune. Their adorable, palm-sized appearance makes them a staple Hida souvenir. Recently, colorful varieties of Sarubobo have also appeared, adding more fun to the selection process.
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