Have you ever heard of a prayer tree? It may also be known as a peace or wishing tree. I know, you are running to Google to research it now! A few years back I saw one on Ganghwa Island at the Reunification Center that overlooks the Han River bordering North and South Korea. (picture below.)
The tree held prayers for family members that had been separated. They included prayers and wishes to bring reunification to the land. Hmm, reunification to the land – something we in the U.S. could use right about now.
I thought, what a great idea for our neighborhood. You know me, always coming up with some “hippie-dippie” idea, as some of my friends and relatives would say. Sorry, but I just can’t help it!
So, I bought some ribbons – not an easy task when fabric is hard to find, but I found some quilting ribbons on Amazon that would do the trick. Then found the perfect tree as you exit our street. A young tree with branches that could hold the ribbons at eye level. I dropped off a letter along with a ribbon in each mailbox in our neighborhood, roughly 50 houses. It has been great seeing the ribbons appear in the designated tree, although a little disheartening to see those discarded on the ground (which of course, I wrote on and put on the tree!) My hope is that the tree brightens their day even if they chose not to participate. I got a wonderful Thank You card from a family new to the neighborhood, thanking me for including them and making them feel welcome! Many neighbors are sharing the idea with their friends!
Daily I walk around our neighborhood as a way to start my morning. I now stop at the tree and read the ribbons and say a little prayer. One ribbon caught my eye and made me a little sad. It said “I wish for peace on earth before I die.” Wow – cuts, to the chase doesn’t it? And how can we create that peace on earth? It seems like such a huge task, but I believe it starts in each one of us. In our daily and momentary decisions to be kind. To think before we speak a negative word or react in a negative way. To take a moment to pause and choose to be kind both to ourselves and others.
This reminded me of the hymn, which I usually hum the remainder of my walk:
Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me Let There Be Peace on Earth The peace that was meant to be
If you would like to create a prayer tree in your neighborhood, I started with a little introduction of who I am and below I’ve copied the remainder of my note if you wish to use it…
We are all experiencing challenging emotions along with varying obstacles during the Covid-19 pandemic. Us “older” ones may have health issues creating feelings of isolation, while the young families are trying to keep their kids happy and healthy with limited social interaction. I can’t believe you all survived the end of the school-at-home year!
Recently I came across an idea – a prayer tree, also known as a peace or wishing tree. I saw one in border town between South and North Korea. The tree held prayers on colored ribbons for family members that had been separated. So, I thought, what a great idea for our neighborhood. Every time you drive out of the neighborhood you would be reminded of all the caring, loving people that live here.
I’ve provided a ribbon for each household to use. Simply write on it with a marker your prayer/wish and tie it to a branch on the tree, but not too tight, as you want the tree to continue to grow. (I have already placed some ribbons so you know which tree at the end of the street!) The prayer can be a simple word – love, hope, peace, health, compassion, someone’s name, a poem, your wish for all good things, whatever light you would like to share. If you are creative, you could also knit, crochet, or craft additional ribbons.
Thank you for helping us spread a little light and positivity to each other.
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