Dedication Ceremonies for Peace Poles
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Sometimes the first ceremony is the opening of the box to see the peace pole for the first time. We have been told many times that people
did not open the box when it was delivered, but waited until all those involved in the project gathered to open it together (although it is prudent, immediately upon receipt, to
check to see how it fared in shipping).
Other
times the ceremony includes the planting of the peace pole. Limestone poles,
like this one, come on a skid, not in a box. The
ceremony can begin with people gathering around the spot where the peace pole is to be planted and taking turns removing shovelfuls of soil with the posthole digger
(see installation). Then the peace pole can be carried to the site to be unveiled and planted.
Other times the peace pole already has been planted when people arrive to dedicate it. The first two photos on this page are of planting it the night before at the Greenshire Arts Consortium in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. The next day the ceremony began with leading the gathering to the peace garden to unveil the peace pole.
The dedication might begin with a few words on the history and purpose of Peace Poles, why these particular languages were chosen, how this community became aware of the need for this peace pole, and the significance of the date of the dedication and the location of the site.
Native
speakers of the languages on the peace pole sometimes read the translations
aloud. When native speakers cannot be found, others can learn how to pronounce
translations. To help with that, recordings of many of the translations can be
listened to here. It also would be possible simply
to play the recording at the ceremony.
At right the veil is being lifted from the peace pole during the ceremony. Around them you get a glimpse of what a nice peace garden they built for their peace pole.
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Translations of Peace Prayer for Peace Poles
Testimonial | Dedication Ceremonies for Peace Poles
Planting (installing) Peace Poles
Other Peace Poles I have made
History of Peace Poles
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