Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A Yakudoshi for a Special Brother!

Hope everyone is recovering from Christmas . . . but wait!  New Year's  Eve & the day is just around the corner, try like tomorrow and the next day after that!  Oh, I think I have to recover TWICE!!  Anyway, I made a card/project for my brother's surprise Yakudoshi (41st birthday). 




The moolah holder goes inside of the gable box.


Kadomatsu pictured with my project. 
Nine kadomatsu arrangements will be the
centerpieces for my brother's party.

INFO. TAKEN FROM THE
JAPANESE CULTURAL CENTER OF HAWAII WEBSITE
CLICK {HERE} TO GET MORE INFO.

What is Yakudoshi?

"Bad luck ages are referred to as yakudoshi, with yaku meaning “calamity” or “calamitous” and doshi signifying “year(s).” These years are considered critical or dangerous because they are believed to bring bad luck or disaster.

For men, the ages 24 and 41 (or 25 and 42 in Japan) are deemed critical years, with 41 being especially critical. It is customary in these unlucky years to visit temples and shrines to provide divine protection from harm. In Hawai‘i, it has become a widespread tradition among men of Japanese ancestry to celebrate the 41st birthday with a festive yakudoshi party or gathering to ward off the bad luck or disaster that may strike. The birthday person should wear red to bring good health, vitality and long life.
The equivalent yakudoshi ages for women are 18 and 32 (19 and 33 in Japan), with 32 thought to be a particularly hard, terrible or disastrous year. Like the age 41 for men, precautions are taken to ward off bad luck, and some women in Hawai‘i celebrate their 32nd birthday with a special yakudoshi party."

The Japanese style is to keep everything simple.  It's so hard to make something for a guy and be a bit masculine.  It's even harder when I've tried to create a Japanese style card/project!  I used Washi paper and the mizuhiki cord to create a butterfly.  Just had to add it because I wanted to enter it in Danni's Flutter By Wednesday Challenge.  Hopefully it's not too girly. :(

~ Flutter By Wednesday Challenge #90 - Anything goes as long as there is a butterfly, angel, or fairy.

~ Cupcake Craft Challenge #71 - A Time To Celebrate

Okay, you sure got a lesson in Japanese culture!  Now I gotta get my butt outta here!  Have errands to run and things to do!  Not sure if this is my last post of the year but stay tuned people!  :)

14 comments:

  1. I just stumbled on to you your blog and wanted to say that this is such a very pretty card and box you made!! You have got such fabby creations!!
    happy new year!
    Hugs
    Jodi =)

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  2. Wowza, girl--that is quite a stunning set! Love that washi paper you used and your butterfly came out great. Your brother will love this!

    Wishing you and yours a very safe, healthy and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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  3. Wow Wow Wow!!! awesome creations.... LOVE the butterfly... wow! =D Thanks for joining us at Flutter by Wednesday!! hugs, Kris

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  4. What great creations!! Thanks for playing along with my flutter by challenge!

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  5. Love your card...how awesome..such a great sista...Happy New Year

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  6. WOW WOW these are AWESOME, perfect for a guy you did an amazing job!!!!! I LOVE reading about others cultures and find this very interesting and VERY COOL!!! I sooo enjoyed reading your post, thanks for sharing...HE WILL LOVE THIS!!!!!

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  7. Fabulous creations and I loved the lesson in Japanese culture, thank you! Thanks so much for joining us for Flutter By Wednesday! :)

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  8. You did a great job on your project. Love the gable box and money holder... happy new year! Can't believe it's right around the corner!

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  9. Wow, I am speechless!! This is just absolutely beautiful! You are Soooooooooooooo talented!
    Have a very Happy & Blessed New Year!
    Hugs,
    Denise

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  10. Fantastic card and gift box, just perfect for our celebration theme! Thanks for playing along with us at Cupcake :) Donna x

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  11. Love your Yakudoshi gifts! Your card for sure put mine to shame, lol! You are such a great sister for doing that for D and S. I know they appreciate you so much! It was really cool hanging with you guys too! Albert was saying that we should have you over for dinner one day and hang out. Have a great New Year!
    Hugs,
    Michelle

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  12. What a beautiful card and box. The butterfly is gorgeous and the colour scheme is perfect. Thanks for joining us at cupcake craft challenge and don't forget our new challenge starts on 4th Jan!. Hugs, Denise x

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  13. very cute card....you did an awesome job....i have become a follower and would love for you to join mine...
    hugs
    CJ
    my creator name is
    Cowgirl Up Stamps
    stitchybearstamps.com
    here is my blog addy
    http://stampenwithcj.blogspot.com/

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  14. Hi Mama,
    I was looking for Yakudoshi stuff and of course went on Google and surprised myself by finding your project!! How awesome!!
    Hope you are doing well. Miss seeing your creations.
    Take care and btw... this is AMAZING!!
    ;)

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Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate all the kind and sweet comments that y'all leave 4 me . . . showing me some luv from your {HEART} makes me smile and want to create, inspire and ramble some more! :o)