【Koyomi】February 8, 2024

The Various Things of Seasons｜Harikuyou
季節のあれこれ｜針供養

What is "Hari Kuyo"?

The origins of Hari Kuyo (the Needle Memorial Service) are not precisely known, but during the Edo period, it was practiced as a way to honor the hard work of needles that pierced through thick or tough fabric daily. Additionally, women would wish for improvement in their sewing skills and thus would pay respects to broken or old needles by gently inserting them into soft tofu or konjac before offering them at shrines. This ritual was a form of showing gratitude and respect for the tools that played a significant role in their daily lives and crafts.

針供養とは？

針供養の起源は定かではありませんが、江戸時代では厚い布や固い布を日々刺してくれた針の労をねぎうために、また女性たちは裁縫の上達を願い、折れた針や古くなった針を柔らかい豆腐やこんにゃくに刺して神社に納めたりして供養しました。

Hari Kuyo is conducted on the "Kotoyouka."

The Hari Kuyo, a traditional Japanese annual event, takes place during "Kotoyouka," which falls on the 8th of December and the 8th of February according to the lunar calendar. These days, known collectively as Kotoyoka, are significant for beginning new endeavors ("Kotohajime") on December 8th and concluding affairs ("Kotoosame") on February 8th. It is believed that these days should be spent with reverence, welcoming and honoring the gods through various rituals and festivals, leading to the practice of refraining from needlework and conducting needle memorials. Furthermore, there is an alternative interpretation where February 8th is considered for "Kotohajime" and December 8th for "Kotoosame," reflecting whether the "beginning" pertains to welcoming the New Year's deity, who brings prosperity and happiness each New Year, or to starting agricultural work in the spring.

針供養は「事八日」に行われる

針供養は、日本の伝統的な年中行事であり、旧暦の12月8日と2月8日に行われる「事八日」に実施されます。この日は、新しいことを始める「事始め」と、物事を終える「事納め」の意味を持ち、神様を迎え、神事や祭事に慎みを持って過ごすべき日とされています。針仕事を休むべきという考えから、針供養がこの日に行われるようになりました。また、2月8日を「事始め」とし、12月8日を「事納め」とする場合もあり、これは新年に年神様を迎える「事」や春に農作業を始める「事」の違いによるものです。

The Day of "Hari Kuyo" and the appearance of Harisenbon.

In the coastal regions of the Hokuriku area along the Sea of Japan, there's a folklore known as "Yoka Fuki" (Eighth Day Wind) on December 8th, where it's said that the weather turns rough, and a large number of Harisenbon (a type of fish known for its needle-like spines) are blown from the sea by the strong winds.
This phenomenon is referred to as "Harisenbon" or "Hari Seibo" (Needle Year-End Gift), suggesting a possible connection to Hari Kuyo, the Needle Memorial Service. Furthermore, there's a tradition that on December 8th, the "Day of the Needle," a mythical creature known as the "Hitotsume Kozo" (One-Eyed Boy) is said to make an appearance.

針供養の日とハリセンボンが現れる？

日本海に面した北陸地方では、12月8日に「八日吹き」と呼ばれる風習があり、この日には天気が荒れ、針のような棘を持つ魚、ハリセンボンが強風によって海から多数打ち上げられるという言い伝えがあります。
この現象は「針千本」や「針歳暮」とも呼ばれ、針供養と何らかの関連がある可能性が示唆されています。さらに、12月8日の「事八日」には、伝説の生き物である一つ目小僧が現れるという伝承も存在します。