THE WISHING TREE

Community WISHING TREE

In the tradition of Wishing Trees around the world, the Community Wishing Tree was filled with hundreds of bright wish ribbons. The wishes were gathered in partnership with local nonprofits, businesses, and schools across the valley and installed at 35 N. Bozeman, in front of the Cok Kinzler Law Office.


The Wishing Tree was unveiled on Friday, May 1st, as part of the Give Big Gallatin Valley celebration. Silly Hour featured free hugs from the silly monster puppets, balloon animals, and the opportunity to add a wish to the tree. The tree has now disappeared, as all random silliness must do, but it might make another appearance in the future, especially if you wish very hard for it!

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What's a Wishing Tree?

Wishing tree traditions have existed for many hundreds, if not thousands of years all around the world. Here are just a few we’ve come across.

Japan

Wishes written on colorful paper strips called tanzaku are hung on bamboo branches. These decorations symbolize hope, and the bamboo is said to carry wishes to the heavens.


Hong Kong

Historically, wishes written on paper were thrown into the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees. If the wish stayed in the tree, it would come true. Now wishes are hung on racks to protect the tree branches.


Scotland, Ireland, and Cornwall, UK

Strips of fabric called cloots are tied to clootie trees. They’re usually found near water, especially wells and natural springs.


North America

Medicine, Prayer, and Spirit Trees have been created and revered by indigenous peoples for a very long time. Strips of cloth, ribbons, tobacco and other gifts are sometimes left as offerings.


Germany, Austria, Hungary, Ireland, Scotland, England and others

May bushes or trees are hung with ribbons on May 1st, May Day. They invite good luck, offer protection, and celebrate the flourishing of life as spring shifts into summer. This version is most similar to the wishing tree we created.


BIG THANKS TO OUR WISH GATHERING PARTNERS!

Bozeman Public Library + Bozeman Health Cancer Center + Bozeman Senior Center + Bienvenidos + BYEP + Cancer Support Community + Crosscut + Eaglemount + GVLT + Haven + HRDC + The Help Center + Reach + Thrive + Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company


Students and Staff at: Bozeman Montessori + Emily Dickinson Elementary + Longfellow Elementary + Gallatin High School + Hyalite Elementary + Whittier Elementary + and more!

BIG SPARKLY THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNERS

WHO HELPED MAKE THIS HAPPEN

Cok Kinzler PLLP

Norcrest Tree Company

Rootbound Arborists

Photos by Lo Hunter.