針はり供く養よう

noun

memorial service for old needles

A traditional Japanese event held on February 8 or December 8, where old, broken, or bent needles are stuck into tofu or konnyaku and offered at a shrine to thank them for their service and pray for improved sewing skills.

• 針はり供く養ようでは、古ふるくなった針はりを豆とう腐ふに刺さして供く養ようします。

  At the needle memorial service, old needles are stuck into tofu and offered in remembrance.