Hari-Kuyō

[1] It is celebrated by women in Japan as a memorial to all the sewing needles broken in their service during the past year, and as an opportunity to pray for improved skills.

In the animist traditions, items as well as humans, animals, plants, and objects are considered to have souls.

[5] This is in keeping with the philosophy of "not wasting" or "paying honor to the small things" exemplified in the concept of mottainai.

In a funereal atmosphere, the implements are laid to rest in tofu or konnyaku (soft jelly cakes) in a spirit of tenderness and gratitude.

[6] "A small three-step altar is set up and hung with a sacred rope and strips of cut white paper which indicate a sanctified area.