Our hemp study group decided to use the opportunity to spread a little positive energy and make Hemp SweetBraids. We borrowed the indigenous technique of braiding sweetgrass which braids 21 strands of sweetgrass together, each strand representing something unique. Seven strands are there to represent the past seven generations as well as seven strands to represent the seven future generations.
Photo: Opening the evening with an offering to the four directions
The remaining seven strands represent the seven sacred teachings (love, respect, honesty, courage, wisdom, truth, and humility). See this lovely braiding sweetgrass post if you’d like to understand more about this tradition.
While doing the exercise we discussed the concept of many strands coming together to form something stronger as well as the therapeutic act of braiding. Sweetgrass is said to be one of the 4 sacred plant medicines and is said to induce positive energy.
We also discussed and experimented with the process of turning a hemp stalk into usable fibers.
We also enjoyed some hemp pasta as we met with our student group who gave us a look at the hemp recipe cards that they have created this semester. We are looking forward to sharing these recipes during our Solstice Celebration in Glen Providence Park in Media on June 19th. Please stop by our “Hemp Study Group blanket” and grab some information about TTM and a recipe card.
By the way, our group met on 4.20, which turns out to be a significant day in cannabis culture. For those who aren’t aware, hemp is a version of cannabis that has little or no THC. THC is the compound in cannabis that can cause feelings of euphoria.
We are looking forward to our next studio session where we will be experimenting with hemp paper and hemp wood. If you would like to be put on the Hemp Study email list please email David Turner at [email protected] for upcoming events.
Acknowledgement: This work was partially inspired by the book, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
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