If you wonder about my long love affair with all things Japanese, here is a perfect example: Hari Kyuou. Japanese women perform this ceremony of consolation over their broken needles and dull pins.This from Miho Takeuchi's wonderful blog:
It was believed that tools and utensils used roughly should become the monsters (the Gods named Tsukumogami) to attack people 100 years later. Tsukumogami, or “artifact spirit”, are a type of Japanese spirit. According to the Tsukumogami-emaki, tsukumogami originate from items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and thus become alive and aware. Any object of this age, from swords to toys, can become a tsukumogami.
I love the thought of thanking the needles and pins for their service, and sending them off with consolation and assurances they will never do harm. They are such vital tools to what we do, why not honor their service?
Along with consoling their broken needles, women are encouraged to console themselves and bury secrets too personal to reveal. Thanks to Miho for the above post - visit her blog and learn more about the ceremony - it is fascinating. Studio Aika
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