Handicrafts: The Imagination Factory 

 By Reem Ezzeddine-9C

“Every decade needs its own manual of handicrafts” Through this quote one can spot the importance of handicrafts as in every new period of time and every generation need their own handicrafts since life is in constant change and alternation and the things that used to be of aid for the older generation need modification to fit the needs of the newer. No one can ignore the significance of handicrafts. In fact, handicrafts, the culture's presentation, plays a major role economically, culturally and psychologically.

Handicrafts play a great role in the economy of a country. Handicrafts are hugely important in terms of economic development. They provide ample opportunities for employment even with low capital investments and become a prominent medium for foreign earnings. During recent years, the importance of handicrafts has been surged due to their cultural and financial values. The small scale industries, including handicrafts, can play a major role in the development of the economy of both developed and the developing countries equally. 90-95% of the total industrial products of the world are produced in small workshops run by less than 100 people. For instance, Japan, which is at the peak of economic development, has considered 84% of its industries as small and medium scale industries. In countries such as India and China, handicrafts are as high as the mechanized products in quality and volume and are a major source of their foreign earnings. These countries are focusing on the development of the handicraft industry, in order to strengthen the economy.

Another importance is cultural importance. Cultural heritage embodied in traditional crafts is an integral part of any nation which reflects the culture and tradition of a particular region. Handicrafts are important in several significant ways. First, items like rugs, jewelry, hand-carved wood, and ceramics all tell a story. They represent the identity of the people who made them and give a window into their lives and lifestyles. They are a source of pride, of character and of rich traditions. Thus, several cultural heritage experts have highlighted the need for safeguarding this cultural heritage to maintain the country's identity. For many countries, the significant unique cultural heritage is retained in their handicrafts. For example, India's rich cultural heritage and centuries of evolutionary tradition are manifested by the huge variety of handicrafts made all over the country. Handicrafts are a mirror of the cultural identity of the ethnic people who make it. Through the ages, handicrafts made in India like the Kashmiri woolen carpets, Zari embroidered fabrics, terracotta, and ceramic products, silk fabrics etc. have maintained their exclusiveness. In the ancient times, these handicrafts were exported to far off countries of Europe, Africa, West Asia, and the Far East via the 'silk route'. The entire wealth of timeless Indian handicrafts has survived through the ages. These crafts carry the magnetic appeal of the Indian culture that promises exclusivity, beauty, dignity, and style. Another example is the traditional Lebanese concepts that can remind the people of how rich the Lebanese culture is.  All items made by Lebanese people show a glimpse of their rich cultures such as glass, soap, copper, wood, cloth, clay, and metal.

In addition to that, handicrafts are significant psychologically. A large-scale international online survey of knitters found respondents reported they derived a wide range of perceived psychological benefits from the practice: relaxation; relief from stress; a sense of accomplishment; connection to tradition; increased happiness; reduced anxiety; enhanced confidence, as well as cognitive abilities (improved memory, concentration and ability to think through problems).In more clinical contexts, introducing knitting into the lives of hospital patients with anorexia nervosa led to a self-reported reduction in anxious preoccupation with eating disorder thoughts and feelings. Some 74% of research participants described feeling "distracted" or "distanced" from these negative emotional and cognitive states, as well as more relaxed and comfortable. Over half said they felt less stressed, a feeling of accomplishment, and less likely to act on their "ruminating thoughts". In another study, knitting was found to reduce workplace stress and compassion fatigue experienced by oncology nurses. Quilting has been found to enhance a participant's experiences of well-being as they move into older age. Research reports quilters to find the work challenging, cognitively demanding, it helps to maintain or generate new skills, and working with color was found to be uplifting, especially in winter. In studies of people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME), depression and other long-term health problems, textile crafts were found to increase sufferers' self-esteem, their engagement with the wider world, and increase their personal sense of well-being and their ability to live positively with their condition.

All in all, handicrafts are essential as they enhance the country's economy, give a glimpse of the culture of the country, as well as improving one's psychological state. Through these impacts, one can spot the true value of handicrafts in one's life. But, these handicrafts are decreasing year after year, and their importance is being ignored. Will handicrafts stay alive further? Or will they be erased from everyone's life?