Introduction
Have you ever heard about the “Cry from a Doll” story? If not, let’s dive deep into the story that was featured in the New York Times back in the 1990s.
The Story Behind “Cry from a Doll”
The story is about a Japanese doll named Okiku. The doll was purchased in 1918 by a 17-year-old boy named Eikichi Suzuki. The doll was made of wood and had hair that was made of human hair. The doll was dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono.
Eikichi Suzuki gave the doll to his sister, Okiku, who was just a young girl at that time. She loved the doll and played with it every day. However, tragedy struck when Okiku died of a cold at the age of 17.
The Mystery Begins
After Okiku’s death, the family noticed that the doll’s hair had grown longer. They believed that it was Okiku’s spirit that was living inside the doll. They also noticed that the doll’s hair continued to grow longer every year.
The Doll’s New Home
In 1938, the Suzuki family gave the doll to the Mannenji Temple in Hokkaido, Japan. The temple became the new home of the doll, and they took great care of it. They even built a special shrine for the doll.
Scientific Analysis
The story of the Okiku doll’s hair growth attracted a lot of attention from scientists and researchers. In 1979, the doll was analyzed by a hair specialist who confirmed that the hair was, in fact, human hair. However, there was no explanation as to why the hair was growing.
The Explanation
Later on, it was discovered that the doll’s hair wasn’t actually growing. It was simply unraveling from the bottom, giving the appearance of growth. This was due to the fact that the hair was made of a natural fiber called “warahimo.” Warahimo is known to unravel slowly over time.
Conclusion
The story of the Okiku doll is a fascinating one. What started as a simple doll that was loved by a young girl turned into a mystery that captured the attention of people around the world. While the story may have a logical explanation, it still leaves many wondering if there is more to it than meets the eye.