Hi there, really sorry for the absence of all the former glossaries! When I have the time, I'll try to do them. As an apology, I'll try to get this one up and done at least.
Teru Teru Bozu （照る照る坊主）
A Teru Teru Bozu, to simplify things, is a sort of charm to bring good weather. The first two words in its name refer to 'sunshine; or 'good weather', while the last clause refers to a monk. This practice became popular in the Edo period, where children would make these little amulets on the day good weather was desired. It was usually made of cloth, but nowadays, tissue paper and hankerchiefs are used. Elementary schoolchildren would sometimes make these and hang them on the classroom windowsill, usually to wish for good weather on the day before the schol picnic.
If the doll is hung upside down, the person is wishing for rainy weather.
There is an old nursery rhyme regarding this charm, compiled and published in 1921.
てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず
明日天気にしてをくれ
いつかの夢の空のよに
晴れたら金の鈴あげよ
てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず
明日天気にしてをくれ
私の願いを聞いたなら
甘いお酒をたんと飲ましょ
てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず
明日天気にしてをくれ
それでも曇って泣いてたら
そなたの首をちょんと切るぞ
EL Translation:
Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu
Do make tomorrow a sunny day
Like the sky in a dream sometime
If it's sunny I'll give you a golden bell
Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu
Do make tomorrow a sunny day
If you make my wish come true
We'll drink lots of sweet sake
Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu
Do make tomorrow a sunny day
but if it's cloudy and I find you crying (i.e. it's raining)
Then I shall snip your head off
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