FESTIVAL OF BROKEN NEEDLES

I FOUND THIS INTERESTING AND WANTED TO SHARE.....

On February 8th, all across Japan, Harikuyo will take place in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Hari means noodle, and Kuyou is a Buddhist memorial service. Memorial services are usually held for spirits of the dead but it is also common to hold them for inanimate objects that have served well in life, or indeed that life depends on.

Known as the Festival of Broken Needles, it is a ritual of thanks and respect for tools of the sewing, tailoring and embroidery trades. It dates back 1500 years; women (and men) dress in fine kimono and gather together all of the needles they've used, broken and/or and worn out during the previous year. They proceed to the local temple or shrine, where a three-tiered altar is prepared. The lower level displays sewing accessories, such as scissors, thimbles, thread and so forth. The top tier offers seasonal fruit, and white mochi (ceremonial rice cake offerings). In the center section is a large slab of tofu, into which everyone plunges the pieces of their broken needles.

Later they will be taken to a sacred final resting place. The tofu keeps them safe and not forgotten, yet because of being protected in the tofu they can do no harm with their points. In a second sense they are still present in life. The priest will incant a sutra, that reflects the passage of the needles from use, and invokes a Buddhist blessing that is passed on to the users of the needles. By showing respect to the needles they have used through the past year, they are offering thanks and requesting that the power and energy of the needles be present in the stitchers for the coming year, so that their skills may be improved. Priests will also sing sutras to comfort the needles, heal their broken spirits and thank them for work well done. No sewing takes place on this day.

Resources: Pulse of the Planet, presented by the American Museum of Natural History; Rufus,Anneli: The World Holiday Book, Harper San Francisco 1994; About.com/Japan

BOOK PHOTOS - CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS?

Happy Friday friends!! I posted a photo of this book I got last week and I have had a few requests to see what it looked like inside. I am not sure what the language is, but if you know what it is I would love for you enlighten me/us with your knowledege. It's obvious it is some type of religion book, but I am not convinced this is a bible.

If you are able to identify anything about this book, I would love to hear from you. Thanks.

SEEING STARS, A BICYCLE, AND FAREWELL

Below is a photo of my darling Auntie Ina and Uncle Benny with my nephew, Preston. This picture was taken on Sunday, June 28th after we attended their mission farewell. They left this morning to go to the MTC and will be travelling to South Africa for 23 months on an LDS mission. I am going to miss them dearly, but they will always be close in heart. LOL!

Isn't this a great photo! A charming vintage bicycle tucked neatly in a flower bed. Showcasing the American flag with bright stars and waving stripes of red and white brimming with a basket of beautiful flowers. Patriotic indeed.

Here is the first photo of my WIP on the stars and stripes project.


Can you believe that tomorrow marks the last day of June??? I can't believe how this month just flew by us. Maybe it was all the rain we had. Nevertheless, my DH is turning the lights out on me and my cute Jibby cat is wanting to lay on the keyboard. I guess I better take the hint "lights out".

1922 SINGER SEWING MACHINE

Isn't this AWESOME!!! I can't tell you how excited I was to find this. I paid $29.99 for it at a local second hand store. Can you imaging sewing with that crank arm? The case is curved oak with a handle for ease of carrying. I researched the serial number on it and found it was made in 1922. The picture isn't the greatest (sorry) but i used the camera on my cell phone to capture it. It has beautiful etched and scrolled artwork on the silver parts and gorgeous gold and red paint to boot. This will make a nice conversation piece in my "craft" room as I call it. I have been trying to collect some old thimbles, scissors, etc. to display in a shadow box that I will hang on the wall above the machine. I hope you are jealous with envy!!! (I know I would be if you bragging about it on your blog!).

A Mothers Love

Is this the most beautiful headstone you have ever

laid eyes on? My Mikey

and I went to the Kaysville Cemetery for a walk this morning to see to my parents grave before they remove the flowers from Memorial Day. This is such a peaceful statue and the attention to detail is so intricate. It reminds me of my sister, Teresa, a mother to twin girls.