This is the third and last of sacred cloths. What binds them together is a palm border and similar size. This composition gave me fits as well as the strong yellow of the momigami paper (party napkin). The two handled pitcher is Canaanite and the clay bowl has Hebrew letters inscribed...both ancient.
There are over a hundred daily blessings and this one of blessing hand washing is so simple and perfect to me. I've sat at large holiday tables and the pitcher & basin have been passed, giving each guest a chance to make ready for the holiday. At some tables the pitcher has been fine silver, porcelain and others clear plastic...it's the humble ritual , the coming together, the agreement to begin that I have always found so warming and rich.
In my own mountain of memories, I recall being called in for dinner with clear instructions to wash my hands first. In order to help, my father would take on the job with a warm wash cloth. I can still remember my hands in his big hands and after the wash up he might pull out his pocket knife and trim my nails. All this in preparation for a very ordinary dinner meal. My sons were a challenge in the washing up area and I do remember LAVA soap as one way I could get their little hands cleaned. I see young mothers in restaurants using squeeze bottles of hand sanitizer on their children's hands before beginning a meal...we are a people in a hurry but I guess it gets the job done. In my quiet life I prefer a big bar of soap and rinsing my hands while reciting the blessing...a way of setting myself right in a simple way.
Beautiful work and sweet memories, Mary Ann. I too enjoy washing with a big bar of soap while slowing down, counting the simple blessings of life.
ReplyDeleteCarole, We are kindred spirits in the area of hand washing and rinsing. I love it when I begin a new large hand made soap (lavender). A true cure-all day to day.
DeleteWhat a lovely blessing.... passing the pitcher and basin around the table and washing one's hands. Knowing this makes your 'Simple Blessings' even more beautiful. It is such a pity that old traditions phase out with changing times.
ReplyDeleteRobyn, Modern life takes its toil on slow rituals. I have found the holiday table blessing to have gone through a revival...old things become new again!
DeleteArt is sacred, and you prove it with your beautiful work and dedication. Yes,"wash your hands"...every night, before dinner..
ReplyDeleteLyn, Thank you...there is a way to allow words, images, hand washing to become part of our sacred lives! I'm not a fan of hand sanitizer but our world is changing.
DeleteYour description of this everyday ritual was a reminder of deeper things. I've never had the pleasure of passing the pitcher and basin, but the simple task of washing before sitting at the table does just as you say, a way to prepare for the coming together - your piece is beautiful and I have learned so much in your exploration! xo
ReplyDeleteJeane, Always my pleasure to read your words...we both understand the 'coming together' of a shared meal...sometimes just sharing a peeled apple!!
DeleteMary Ann, these 3 pieces are so beautiful- sumptuous and rich with color and meaning. I love your stories about childhood and your grandmother. I wish I could see all three of them together, in person; I know I would be very tempted to touch that silk! I hope you are planning to have a show of all these pieces related to the past. It would be great!
ReplyDeleteSharmon, Thank you so much. I had a place to show but it has come under new management and I'll need to apply again...this can sometimes be a game changer. Right now my wall sings with these new pieces.
DeleteWell I wrote something but is has disappeared. Oops! I love the yellow in this piece. I can feel that warm washcloth as you describe, and the strong and loving hands - sometimes I needed a sleeve pushed up and a scrubbing up to the elbow!
ReplyDeleteA bit of a sweet miracle that we both can easily remember such perfect yet ordinary moments about those loving hands.
DeleteThank you...the yellow is strong!