Dedication Ceremonies for Peace PolesSometimes 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 were not opening the box when it was delivered, but were waiting until all those involved in the project were gathered to open it together (although it is prudent, immediately upon receipt, to check to see how it fared in shipping). The public ceremony sometimes begins 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. Then sometimes the peace pole, hidden under a wrap, is carried by a team to the site to be unveiled and planted. Other times the peace pole already has been planted when people arrive to dedicate it. 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. Ribbons can be attached to the top of the peace pole and extend to the ground some distance away. The ribbon might be cut when the translation on the respective side has been recited. Music can be part of this with a few bars of something native to the regions of the languages played or sung acapella as the ribbon is cut. Pieces of the ribbons can be given to each of the people attending the ceremony. Messages of peace can be handwritten along the length of the ribbon, perhaps in one long line running down the center, with each person carrying away his or her piece of the collective message. More about dedication ceremonies is at this link. The background watercolor for this page was painted during
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