Shimenawa in Germany
Over time, I’ve come to love the unique sense of time and atmosphere that surrounds the Japanese New Year.
I have been living in Germany since 2013, and I truly enjoy the beauty of German Christmas traditions and the lively celebrations at the turn of the year. Still, I began to wish for a small presence of the quiet, dignified feeling of the Japanese New Year within my own living space.
In the past, I brought shimenawa decorations back from Japan, but I always had a lingering thought: I want to make them myself, using materials found here in Germany. This year, I finally took that step and created shimenawa decorations using materials I could buy in Germany. Bringing these pieces into form through trial and error, and presenting them at an art market "Kunst für Alle" at das Japanische Haus, became a small yet meaningful milestone for me.
Next year, I dream of making both the base and the ornaments from locally grown wheat.
As it was received well, I leave a note about materials and how to make it :)
Materials
Mostly I use natural materials so that it can be burnt at BBQ like Otakiage in the end of the season.
- Twisted dried "Seegras" (I found φ3mm/10m and φ6mm/5m from Vivant at Boesner. Both were around 2 EUR.)
- Natural Raffia to tie materials
- Plants and paper for decolation
- Wire if it's needed
Tools
Most of the things can be done with scissors and hands but it would be helpful to have large clips to hold the piece.
How to Make
- Make a base of wreath. The curly Seegras cords lead me to braid. (In Japan traditionally, two cords are twisted.)
- Add decoration.
I also made Shimenawa in different forms. Good to be creative and playful, enjoy!
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