The Black Marubozu is a single candlestick pattern characterized by a long black body. It does not have any shadows on either end. It is an extremely strong bearish candlestick pattern.

Recognition Criteria:

1. A black Marubozu is characterized by not having upper or lower shadows and by its long black body.
2. It shows that the prices moved down all day long after the opening thus forming the long black body.
3. Then the day closes at its lowest level that explains the absence of the lower shadow.

A Black Marubozu forms when the opening price is equal to the high price of the day while the closing price is equal to the low price of the day. This shows that the sellers controlled the price action from the first trade to the last trade. When a Black Marubozu day occurs, the day opens and prices continue to move down all day long without stopping. It may show continuation of the downtrend or a final sell off attempt before the bulls regain control.

Important Factors:

A Black Marubozu may be the initial phase of a bearish continuation pattern but it may also signal a bullish reversal depending on the preceding day's candlesticks.

The Black Marubozu is a single candlestick pattern with low reliability. It reflects only one day’s trading with a potential to signal both continuation and reversal. It must be used with other candlesticks for the confirmation of a trend.