Planning a June wedding or an outing to the beach with friends? Why not make a teru teru bozu, which translates to something like shiny bald head? These dolls, made traditionally by children and hung up by a window, are said to ward off rain on the day of a planned outdoor event during the monsoon season. They originate from the Edo era, but are still a common sight in Japan today, especially preceding a school picnic. To make one, simply roll up a ball of paper, cover it with another, tie an elastic band oround the neck, and finish off / draw with a happy face. Hang it up before your outdoor event, and let it work its magic with the weather. Be sure not to hang it up upside down though, as this will attract rain! Written by Ruth Woudstra