EBW February challenge: Japan

Progress is necessary for a country to move on and improve, but tradition is indispensable.
Traditions give roots to people so they can always have their feet firmly on the ground and start again whenever they fall down.

Having experienced many differences moving from one place to another, all in the north of Italy -so very different from the south in a million ways- I know for sure that whenever I'm feeling down, or just don't know how to behave, traditions from my family and my town are what really cheer me up and make me feel confident again.
Can be a conforting recipe from my grandma; a saying in my town slang, full of wisdom; a festivity we try to celebrate even though it is not known where we live now.

Japan is a country which has endured a lot of tough situations, and I think it owes that to its people strong faith in tradition.
Bombs, earthquakes, tsunami, just to name some.
Everytime they fall, they always stand up again, more fierce and determined than before.
Fall down seven times, stand up eight.

My piece for this challenge wants to celebrate some typical, traditional Japanese symbols.

Its cooking tradition (sushi); the famous cherry blossoms; a kokeshi doll; a koi, the symbol of perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose; national pride, with the country flag and the rising sun;

mount Fuji, or Fuji-san, the (almost)sacred volcano;

the Daruma doll, symbolizing the ability of recovering from troubles and stand up again.

And I swear, it's really comfortable to wear!
I'm so happy with this bracelet. I really made something out of my comfort zone and love the result.
Can't wait to see all of them all together in the mosaic!

Another Japan sneak peek

Let's keep on talking about Japan.
Another thing I love about Japanese culture, is that they have huge self confidence, in the sense that they always think you are the only one who can make things work.
They don't say "good luck" or "break a leg"; thay say "ganbatte", which means "do your best".
They have a strong will power and, although they do believe in luck and amulets, they're just a little help.

If you scroll Pinterest and look at "words of wisdom" boards, you'll realize most of them have "cheer-up" sentences, like "you deserve it" or "you are enough". Only when it comes to sport they become a bit harsh and base everything on will power. So how do you mix those different attitudes? Are you supposed to only be brave and strong and push it to the limit while exercising?

So here comes Daruma dolls again. Since they're usually round, made of papier-mâché and weighted at their bottom, if you push them gently they'll swing until they'll return to a standing position.
Always.
So they came to represent one's strength to always get up whenever they fall down.

Nanakorobi yaoki: fall seven times and stand up eight.

Japan challenge

I will start talking about next Etsy Beadweavers challenge, which theme is Japan, because one post is not enough to explain how big my love for Japan is.

Source: Pinterest

It's a love born by accident you might say, in 2005.
I used to spend 2 hours a day on a bus to go to work, and couldn't manage to read, so I decided to try learning a new language with some audio lessons.
I did some research on the internet and found out a lot of website about Japanese and fell in love.

After learning the 2 alphabets on my own I found a school and started some serious lessons, which I have tried to keep attending despite my many relocations...
Most people start learning this language because of mangas or animes, for me it was the other way around: after I started my brother asked me to watch some anime with him and a whole new world opened up.

Source: Pinterest

Some of them are pieces of art. Some just make you laugh hard and cry at the same time.
Only after two years I discovered another addiction: dramas, Japanese TV movies.

Of course during all this time I have also developed an interest (addiction) in every other aspect of Japanese culture, like bentos and cooking, street culture and traditional arts.
I still haven't got the chance to go there but I firmly believe I will very soon.

Talking about wishes, there's a tool to help you succeed called Daruma.

Source: on Pinterest

It's a doll with white eyes, which you are supposed to draw like this: make a wish, draw the first eye. You need to make a commitment, it's not about magic: the one-eyed-Daruma is there to remind you of your desire and the strength you need to pursue your dream.

Source: Pinterest

Only when (and if)your wish comes true you can eventually draw the other eye on the Daruma.
This is why I started my brainstorm for the next challenge with a tiny beaded Daruma:

We'll see what's next...