With so many individuals and families in need, a spirit of giving has reemerged even as tough times continue. Charitable contributions have changed though. Simple monetary gifts, while easy to do, are not as fulfilling. Many people who want to help those less fortunate volunteer their time and talent. Others prefer to provide gifts and wish trees are a great way to facilitate this giving.
The concept of a wishing tree is as old as human history. A wish tree is a specifically selected place with some purported power to help grant wishes. People come from all over to attach a note or other representation of their dreams and desires to the branches. A prayer and offering is made, often by lighting a votive candle, burning incense or leaving some personal item near the roots. In some traditions a coin is hammered into the trunk to represent the person's hopes.
These days the use of wishing trees has spread far beyond this traditional ritual. Many weddings and other special celebrations feature a means to attach messages and good luck wishes to the branches of a tree that the celebrants can then read and keep. They are used in demonstrations for social causes and even in art. Recently Yoko Ono installed one as part of an exhibit in Washington DC.
At holiday times a tree will often be set-up as a way to help local charities provide support to individuals and families in need. These charitable versions have tags that indicate a specific gift someone would like to have. Those wanting to contribute take the tag and shop them self for the gift, then bring it back so it can be distributed.
Stores and retail establishment have also picked up on the idea, putting up a tree for shoppers. While there is certainly a bit of commercialism with this, it nonetheless can be a wonderful personal or family experience to take part in. Shopping for an item that one knows someone less fortunate will use and cherish is a wonderful experience.
The trend is growing beyond holiday time. Some malls and churches have a tree up year round. Setting up a tree can also be a fulfilling personal experience. If one has a charity or local organization in mind there is plenty of information available online on how to go about setting us a wishing tree.
There are also virtual wishing tree sites online. Here anyone can post their hopes, dreams and desires, just like in the traditional way it was done. Many charitable organizations have constructed sites where one can shop virtually for gifts in order to give. They then distribute the gift directly to the family or individual.
Giving and helping those in need is an important part of our society. Providing money to an organization is fine, but gifts and wish trees is a much more personal way to give. It is truly an act that benefits the gift recipient and the giver.
The concept of a wishing tree is as old as human history. A wish tree is a specifically selected place with some purported power to help grant wishes. People come from all over to attach a note or other representation of their dreams and desires to the branches. A prayer and offering is made, often by lighting a votive candle, burning incense or leaving some personal item near the roots. In some traditions a coin is hammered into the trunk to represent the person's hopes.
These days the use of wishing trees has spread far beyond this traditional ritual. Many weddings and other special celebrations feature a means to attach messages and good luck wishes to the branches of a tree that the celebrants can then read and keep. They are used in demonstrations for social causes and even in art. Recently Yoko Ono installed one as part of an exhibit in Washington DC.
At holiday times a tree will often be set-up as a way to help local charities provide support to individuals and families in need. These charitable versions have tags that indicate a specific gift someone would like to have. Those wanting to contribute take the tag and shop them self for the gift, then bring it back so it can be distributed.
Stores and retail establishment have also picked up on the idea, putting up a tree for shoppers. While there is certainly a bit of commercialism with this, it nonetheless can be a wonderful personal or family experience to take part in. Shopping for an item that one knows someone less fortunate will use and cherish is a wonderful experience.
The trend is growing beyond holiday time. Some malls and churches have a tree up year round. Setting up a tree can also be a fulfilling personal experience. If one has a charity or local organization in mind there is plenty of information available online on how to go about setting us a wishing tree.
There are also virtual wishing tree sites online. Here anyone can post their hopes, dreams and desires, just like in the traditional way it was done. Many charitable organizations have constructed sites where one can shop virtually for gifts in order to give. They then distribute the gift directly to the family or individual.
Giving and helping those in need is an important part of our society. Providing money to an organization is fine, but gifts and wish trees is a much more personal way to give. It is truly an act that benefits the gift recipient and the giver.
About the Author:
Find a description of the history of the wish tree and visit our virtual store to view our selection of trees and East of India wooden hearts, right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment