At Big Man Tea we have chosen a name that reflects our local community here in Glasgow. The term ‘big man’ is a common term expressing respect for a stranger or acquaintance. In our logo we have chosen a corresponding Japanese lucky mascot in the form of a Daruma doll.

Daruma wish dolls are common in Japan and come with no arms or legs in the form of Bodhidharma the founder of Zen. Bodhidharma was supposedly an Indian Buddhist monk of the 5th century who travelled to China. He is famous for his 9 year meditation facing a rock wall. It is said that he cut off his eyelids in frustration, having difficulty keeping awake, and in the place where they fell, the first tea plants grew. This motionless meditation also cost him the use of his arms and legs, which are symbolised by shape of Daruma dolls.

In modern Japan, Daruma dolls are purchased with white gaps where the eyes should be. A wish is made and the first dot is drawn in the right eye. Should the wish come true, the second eye is filled in.