ASSOCIATIONS_ THROUGH STORIES
Sometimes there are mediums to carry stories, objects which acquire relevance for just being present. Their association with certain period or events of the past imparts meaning for their existence. “The signiďŹ cance of objects in our process of remembering is the main reason why we like to collect familiar or peculiar object around us; they expand and reinforce the realm of memories, and eventually, of our very sense of self. Few of the objects we possess are really needed strictly for utilitarian purpose; their function is social and psychologicalâ€? (Pallasmaa, 2012, p. 27). Sometimes their value comes from a particular event for an individual or a group, or acts as a reminder for being a part of their tradtion. What we came across a built notion of the past for each individual, helping them anchor to it. Sitting in one of the houses listening to an old lady as she blabbered about her achievement of holding the family together through generations, my eyes went to a very old trunk at the corner. The faded color of the wood and the rusted metal ties were a proof to the age of it. There were ornamentations on it made up of brass and had a broken vintage lock hanging. The pile of newspapers and books above it suggested that it was not used much. As I asked about it, I came to know that it has been in their family since ages. One of the household members started to clear the junk above it for me to see, the lady started to talk about it with enthusiasm. It was gifted to her by her father in law. At times it was used to store jewelry and copper and silver utensils, now is a dumping station for old books.
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