The Legend of the Worry

Worry dolls (also called trouble dolls; in Spanish, Muñeca quitapena) are tiny, hand-made dolls originating from Guatemala. According to legend, children tell their worries to the Dolls, then place them under their pillow when they go to sleep. In the morning, the dolls have gifted them with the wisdom and knowledge to eliminate their worries.

The story of the worry doll is about a local Mayan legend. The origin refers to a Mayan princess named Ixmucane. The princess received a special gift from the sun god that allowed her to solve any problem a human could ever worry about. The worry doll represents the princess and the wisdom she carries. With this wisdom, humans will be able to overcome their troubles.