Today in the Kanta region of Japan, the annual ceremony of Hari Kuyo is held at several temples.
Kuyo, generally, is a time when workers, artisans and artists who need specific items to do their jobs will express their gratitude to their old tools by attending a special ceremony in a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine. After the service, the utensils are gathered and burnt so that their smoke goes up to heaven.
Followers of Marie Kondo will recognize the concept of thanking old objects for their service before donating or disposing of them.
A specific version of this ceremony is held annually for pins and needles: Hari Kuyo, (hari meaning needle). Since pins and needles won’t burn, they have a different ending: broken and worn needles are placed into tofu (bean curd) or konnyaku (a soft jelly) on a small altar.
This ancient ceremony brings together fashion professionals: designers, dressmakers, kimono manufacturers, fashion students, as well as hobbyists. Everyone expresses their gratitude to the needles and pins that have enabled them to create their work, and prays for the skills needed for the work ahead.
This year, in addition to the display of hundreds of pieces of needlework, the exhibition will include lectures and workshops. These span a wide range of needlework techniques and periods, from embroidery in the 17th century at Versailles to the very modern craft of “upcycling” old garments with new embroidery. RSVP’s are required. Full details are at Woodlawn’s website:
Over the past two years, The Queen has created a new antependium (also known as an altar frontal) for Gråsten Palace Church.
