Thank you, Misik, for giving us this meaningful challenge. By this
challenge, Image from Tradition, I got the chance to take a look at the
vanishing culture of Taiwanese Aborigines. Then, as I tried to explore the
definition of “tradition”, an image that has existed in my life for 25 years rose
before my eyes. I decided to use the image for my quilt and share the story
with everyone.
Admittedly, every
contemporary culture will become ancient traditional images in another
generation. New culture that has been influenced by traditional culture must be
recorded. The red sweater that my mom gave me not only gives me warmth but also
appeases my negative emotions. The power of it is as beautiful as flowers. The
sweater is worn out and now it becomes part of my quilt. I would like to
dedicate this quilt to my mom and thanks for her love and support. Happy mothers day and
stay healthy to mothers around the world!
Marriage is a tradition itself. It’s also the hardest challenge in my
life. My mom was definitely worried and anxious about my new life. She bought
me some clothes, so that at least she could make sure that I wouldn’t feel too
cold. One of them was a red sweater, which was just like an angel to me, and it
“escorted” me through my “hard times”.
In Taiwan, following the tradition is the most basic obligation for a
married woman to obey. I was assigned to prepare for traditional ceremonies and
3 meals a day for the entire family of 30 people or more during Chinese New
Year (usually for 10 days). During the 10 days, no one else could help me. I
had to do all the preparing and cooking by myself. I was pregnant, but it wasn’t
an excuse to escape.
I didn’t have any cooking experience at my maiden home, not to mention
housekeeping. The traditional value was just like a monster, and it made me
wanted to run away. Beside the household chores, I had to try to get along with
my husband’s family and adjust myself to the new living environment. All the
things just came to me at the same time, and I was extremely struggle with
them. I used to cry a lot and feeling helpless like a melancholic.
It was a cold winter, so I wore the red sweater that my mom gave me.
Magically, the red sweater not only gave me warmth, but also brought me joy and
luck. I started to look at the bright side of life and learned to do those
things step by step. The interpersonal relationship was the first problem that
I overcame. After that, life seems become easier gradually.
Materials: sweater, mono printed cotton, commercial cotton, beads, paillette
Wow, cooking for 30 people for 10 days?? I really admire how you were able to handle it all. Doing things step by step is the key I guess. Thank you for sharing some of the difficulties and joys of family life!
ReplyDeleteAlso, (I forgot to mention) your challenge piece is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kate! My experience is probably every woman would face and a chance to improve ourselves. This challenge is really a great learning opportunity. Transferring my emotion to quilt is always interesting and brings me different surprise! I’m so glad to be part of Viewpoints 9 and thanks to every challenge!
ReplyDeleteWhat a challenging time that must have been. Your piece is beautiful and a wonderful way to preserve something meaningful. I know, even now, I will wear a piece of my ancestor's jewelry when I am going into a stressful situation. Somehow, through it, I feel a sense of security.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martha! We do need the sense of security. After I saw the works from all of us, I found out that creating is like a magician that shows us stunning images! Everyone has done great job! All my best wishes to everyone!
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