Planting Intentions: A Solstice & New Year Seed Paper Kakizome for Growth

As we approach the quiet stillness of the longest night, a time for reflection settles upon us. The promise of a fresh start is shimmering on the horizon, beckoning us to consider the year ahead. In many cultures, this time of year is marked with traditions centered on renewal and aspiration. This year, let’s draw inspiration from Japan and their tradition of Kakizome – the first calligraphy of the year.

What if our intentions could literally bloom? This year, as the earth rests beneath a blanket of snow, let's plant seeds of hope and growth with a special Kakizome tradition – writing our dreams and desires onto handmade seed paper, ready to sprout in the spring. Imagine the joy of watching your aspirations take root and blossom alongside vibrant wildflowers.

A close-up of hands gently pressing Echinacea, Black-Eyed Susans, and California Poppies seeds into wet, textured handmade seed paper, capturing the tactile experience of creation.

The Japanese Tradition of Kakizome

Kakizome (書き初め), literally "first writing," is a beautiful and time-honored Japanese tradition. Each year, on January 2nd, people across Japan take to their brushes to write calligraphy. Traditionally, auspicious poems and phrases related to good fortune and long life are written. A common example is the phrase "A long life is a treasure."

More than just pretty writing, Kakizome is a mindful practice to set the tone for the year ahead. It's about renewal, aspiration, and the importance of focused intention. The act of writing calligraphy itself is symbolic – deliberate and mindful – a way to carefully and thoughtfully express these intentions. Historically, this would be done with a new brush and freshly ground ink, further emphasizing the fresh start.

We can adapt this tradition to align with homesteading values of self-sufficiency, growth, and connection to nature by writing personal intentions for the new year. Let’s ground our dreams in the earth itself by writing them onto seed paper!

Seed Paper: Planting Your Intentions

Seed paper is a wonderful tool for the eco-conscious homesteader. It’s biodegradable, environmentally friendly, minimizes waste, and offers a tangible representation of growth. Instead of discarding paper, you're giving it a second life, embedding it with potential for beauty and sustenance.

For this special Kakizome project, we'll be using a blend of wildflower varieties: Echinacea, Black-Eyed Susans, and California Poppies. These flowers are particularly beneficial for pollinators and the homestead garden. They're suitable for Spring planting, boasting hardiness and undeniable attractiveness to bees and butterflies. Echinacea attracts beneficial insects, Black-Eyed Susans provide nectar for pollinators, and California Poppies add a splash of vibrant color.

Ready to make your own? Here’s a simple recipe:

Recycled paper scraps, wildflower seeds, and the tools needed to make seed paper, showcasing the simple and sustainable process.

Materials:

• Recycled paper scraps (newspaper – specifically the comics section for colorful flecks –, junk mail, brown paper bags, receipts – avoid glossy paper)
• Wildflower seeds (Echinacea, Black-Eyed Susans, California Poppies – approximately 1 tablespoon total)
• Water (filtered)
• Blender (dedicated for crafting, not food preparation)
• Basin or tub (plastic or enamel)
• Window screen or piece of mesh fabric (old window screen or cheesecloth stretched taut)
• Absorbent cloths (old towels or flannel scraps)
• Rolling pin (wooden)

Instructions:

1. Tear the paper into small pieces (approximately 1 inch squares) and soak in water for at least an hour, or overnight. The longer the paper soaks, the easier it will be to break down.
2. Blend the soaked paper with fresh water (about 2 cups water per handful of soaked paper) to create a pulp. The consistency should be similar to a smoothie, with no large chunks of paper remaining.
3. Add the wildflower seeds to the pulp. A general guide is about one tablespoon of seeds per 2 cups of pulp. Gently stir to distribute evenly. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can damage the seeds.
4. Fill the basin with water and pour the paper pulp mixture into it.
5. Place the screen in the basin and gently scoop up a thin layer of pulp, distributing it evenly across the screen. Lift and gently shake to get an even coating.
6. Lift the screen out of the water and let the excess water drain. You can gently tilt the screen to encourage drainage.
7. Place the screen on an absorbent cloth and cover with another cloth. Use a rolling pin to press out any remaining water, rolling firmly but gently.
8. Carefully peel the seed paper off the screen and place it on a dry cloth to dry completely. This may take several hours or overnight, depending on humidity. Consider placing the cloth-covered paper near a sunny window or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.

Want to add a splash of color? Use non-toxic dyes like beet juice (for pink hues) or spinach juice (for green hues). Add the dye to the blender during the pulping process.

Kakizome on Seed Paper: Writing Your Dreams

Now for the heart of the tradition – writing your intentions!

A hand carefully writing an intention on seed paper using a calligraphy brush and sumi ink, highlighting the focus and precision of the act.

Materials:

• Handmade seed paper (completely dry)
• Calligraphy brush or fine-tipped pen (archival quality)
• Sumi ink or non-toxic markers (waterproof)
• Water for diluting ink (in a small dish)
• Optional: Calligraphy practice sheets (downloadable templates online

Instructions:

1. Prepare your mind and workspace. Find a quiet space where you can focus and reflect on your intentions. Light a candle, play soft music, or brew a cup of herbal tea to create a peaceful atmosphere.
2. Choose an intention or aspiration for the New Year. Consider what you want to cultivate in your life and garden. Write it down on a separate piece of paper as a practice. Repeat the intention aloud.
3. Using the calligraphy brush or pen, carefully write your intention on the seed paper. If using sumi ink, dilute it with water for a lighter, more ethereal effect. Practice on scrap paper first!
4. Allow the ink or marker to dry completely (at least 24 hours).
5. Consider framing the seed paper until planting season as a visual reminder, or displaying it on your altar.

Need some inspiration? Here are a few intention examples suitable for homesteaders: "Abundant Echinacea Harvest," "Rich and Healthy Soil," "Strong and Supportive Community," "Creative Growth and Innovation," "Mindful and Sustainable Living."

Worried about your calligraphy skills? Don't be! You can use block printing with carved potatoes or linoleum (using non-toxic inks), or simply write with handwritten lettering in a beautiful, flowing font using a fine-tipped marker. Plenty of online calligraphy and lettering tutorials are available to help you get started.

Planting Your Intentions

The final step is bringing your intentions to life!

Seed paper intentions displayed in a rustic wooden frame on a windowsill, bathed in morning sunlight, serving as a visual reminder until planting season.

Instructions:

1. Wait until after the last frost in your area. Consult a local planting calendar or your county extension office for optimal timing.
2. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Ensure the soil is free of large rocks and debris.
3. Prepare the soil by loosening it with a garden fork and amending it with compost.
4. Gently tear the seed paper into small pieces (approximately 1-inch squares) and place them on top of the soil.
5. Cover the seed paper with a thin layer of soil (approximately 1/4 inch).
6. Water gently and keep the soil moist (but not soggy) until the seeds germinate. Use a gentle spray nozzle.
7. Watch your intentions bloom! Be patient; germination may take several weeks.

Consider creating an "intention garden" specifically for these plantings, perhaps near a quiet seating area where you can reflect on your goals. This is a tangible way to manifest your dreams, nurturing not only the plants but also the aspirations you've written down.

A close-up of wildflower seedlings sprouting from the planted seed paper, showing the delicate green shoots emerging from the soil, symbolizing the beginning of growth.

Honoring the Solstice Spirit

As we prepare for this seed paper Kakizome tradition, let’s take time to reflect on the past year and set meaningful intentions for the future. Consider these journaling prompts: "What were your greatest accomplishments this year? What challenges did you overcome? What are you most grateful for?" and "What are your hopes and dreams for the coming year? What small steps can you take each day to move closer to your goals?".

Remember, this is a time of connection – to nature and the cyclical nature of the seasons. Just as the sun begins its return, and the earth prepares to awaken, so too can we nurture our own growth and potential. Share this Kakizome tradition with family and friends, creating a shared experience of intention-setting. Host a seed paper crafting party!

A flourishing "intention garden" with Echinacea, Black-Eyed Susans, and California Poppies in bloom, buzzing with bees and butterflies, representing the full bloom of realized intentions.

Conclusion

Planting intentions with seed paper Kakizome is a beautiful and simple way to start the new year. It blends creativity, mindfulness, and a deep connection to the earth.

We'd love to see your creations! Share your seed paper and intentions on social media using #BetterHomesHarvestIntentions and tag @BetterHomesandHarvests. What are your favorite intentions this year? What seeds are you planting this year? Share your own New Year's traditions in the comments below!

Wishing you a joyful and peaceful solstice season and a flourishing new year!