The needle memorial service (hari kuyō) is a traditional Japanese event that has been held for centuries. It is a ceremony to commemorate old or broken needles that are no longer usable. This practice is done to express gratitude for the tools used in sewing and to pray for improved sewing skills. In particular, the custom of women valuing their sewing tools, combined with the beliefs surrounding Awashima Shrine, led to the widespread practice of needle memorial services during the Edo period.

Needle memorial services are generally held on either February 8th or December 8th. These days are known as "Koto-yōka," and they mark the end of agricultural work and other tasks. In the Kanto region, the service is often held on February 8th, while in the Kansai region it is more common on December 8th.

The methods for conducting a needle memorial service vary depending on the region and the specific temple or shrine. However, it generally involves collecting old needles, piercing them into soft tofu or konnyaku (a type of yam cake), expressing gratitude to the needles, and offering them in the ceremony. Some temples and shrines may also hold special memorial services for needles.

The needle memorial service is an important event for fostering a sense of cherishing objects and expressing gratitude for daily work. It also carries the hope for improvement in sewing skills.

針供養（はりくよう）は、古くから日本で行われてきた伝統的な行事で、折れたり錆びたりして使えなくなった針を供養するものです。裁縫技術の向上や、日頃の仕事への感謝を込めて行われます。特に、女性が裁縫道具を大切にするという習慣と、淡島信仰が結びついたことで、江戸時代に針供養が広く行われるようになりました。

針供養は、一般的に2月8日または12月8日に行われます。これらの日は「事八日（ことようか）」と呼ばれ、農作業や仕事の区切りとされてきました。関東地方では2月8日、関西地方では12月8日に行われることが多いようです。

針供養の方法は地域や寺社によって異なりますが、一般的には、使い古した針を柔らかい豆腐やこんにゃくに刺し、針に感謝の言葉を伝え、供養します。寺社によっては、針供養の法要が行われることもあります。

針供養は、物を大切にする心や、日々の仕事への感謝の気持ちを育むための大切な行事です。また、裁縫技術の向上を願う意味も込められています。