Many of us need reminders to bring us back to peace. These might be little things like a coffee cup that says peace, a sticky note on your computer screen, a piece of jewelry engraved with "peace," or maybe something more permanent like a tattoo (yikes, just an idea). Yet we can also have bigger objects like peace poles linking communities around the world in the name of peace.
A Peace Pole is part of an internationally-recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams standing vigil in silent prayer for peace on earth. Each Peace Pole bears the message May Peace Prevail on Earth in different languages on each of its four or six sides. There are thousands of Peace Poles on every continent dedicated as monuments to peace.
My peace pole doodle
Just to be clear... Peace Poles inscribed with the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" is a trademark icon for the The Peace Pole Project™. You can purchase peace poles or create your own with or without the message. If you need a bit of inspiration, look no farther. You can view this Pinterest board for ideas OR you can read on.
Let me introduce you to Sue from Tuscon, Az. She contacted me during Project Peace with ideas for building peace poles. I found her "peaceful" creations and enthusiasm to be over the top inspiring. Today, she shares with you ideas for peace poles and other approaches.
There is a tranquility in my desert neighborhood in the winter that isn’t there in the hotter months. There are occasional clouds — none of the blazing, 100-degree heat — even rain. This is the time of year to walk! Add on the glimmering holiday lights in December and you have a walker’s paradise.
It was on one of these magical evening walks that I noticed an addition to my neighbor’s yard — a wooden post with the words ‘Joy to the world’ painted on one side and ‘Peace on earth’ painted on another. A peace pole! In my neighborhood! I paused a few moments to enjoy the idea behind this. Aren’t we all seeking joy and peace? I know I am. So I was inspired to make my own peace pole. After I complimented my neighbor on his, he showed up at my door 10 minutes later with an extra one — ready for my creative hand. I dug through my art supplies to find assorted permanent markers. After much thought, I designed and made my peace pole, with the words and designs reflecting my interpretation of peace.
I hope I can inspire everyone to make their version of a peace pole. It doesn’t have to be a pole or include the word peace. It’s whatever the individual wants it to be. It’s whatever says peace to you. Mine took some wood-working efforts and a fair amount of time. So I’d like to offer some suggestions for those who have neither the time or inclination to make such a serious peace pole.
A quick trip to my local craft store was all it took to find economical craft paint and decals. I bought a 1” square dowel at the hardware. It took me longer to decide what words to put on this second peace pole than it did to actually make it. My butterfly peace pole has been added to a planter at the front of my house.
I also made a smaller version to go in one of my houseplants. The good thing about this one is I get to see it more frequently. A peace pole could be incorporated in your dining table centerpiece.
My daughter hand-lettered one of her favorite Terry Pratchett quotes on her peace pole, added a cup hook to one end, and hung it in a tree. It dances in the wind! I can imagine a tree filled with twirling peace poles, sending their messages out on the breeze.
I also took a terra cotta pot and added the word ‘peace’ to the rim and slipped in a potted cyclamen. It’s an almost-instant peace pole. Maybe I should call this one a peace pot!
If you’re not so much into this form of craft, how about sewing a flag or banner? Quilting, appliqué, embroidery, cross-stitch — so many choices with this. I’ve even seen patterns for knitted and crocheted washcloths with the peace symbol in the middle.
The options are almost endless. What says peace to you? What reminds you to think and act in a peaceful way on a daily basis? There is the beginning of your peace pole!
Wow, Sue has so many wonderful ideas. This weekend I received a follow-up note from her. Sue writes:
As I was walking into a store yesterday I saw a painted rock on the edge of the side-walk -- hearts and glitter and the word 'love'. It was maybe half the size of my palm. So charming! I thought about it as I meandered through the store -- what a clever idea it was. Maybe a scout project? Or a church project? No idea. On the way out of the store I saw another rock -- this one more ornate and glittery than the first -- with the word 'peace' incorporated in the design. Holy mackerel -- PEACE ROCKS! How cool is that?!
After I returned home, I went into my garden to round up some suitable rocks -- smooth river rocks -- and washed the soil off of them. My daughter and I will paint them later today. I thought I'd scatter them around my neighborhood when I go for my daily walk. I'm curious to see if they will be there the next day. Actually, I hope they aren't. I hope someone finds them and takes them home -- or at the very least, is inspired to spread peace during their day.
peace rocks...leave them around your neighborhood for others to find
Sue has inspired me to take my peace building efforts to a new level. While running errands this weekend I purchased a paint pen and began writing peace on small rocks. I've started leaving them around my neighborhood and in the park where I walk. I can't wait to return to see if they've been found. I'm also going to paint some sticks used to stir paint cans with the word peace and begin handing them out to my neighbors.
Update and winners from give-away announced.
Well, last week was a blur. New pattern still forth-coming. And for the winners of the give-away... I randomly selected three winners (listed below). If you won, please email me (thehealthyknitter at gmail dot com) to let me know your full name and mailing address.
- Holly (comment #9)
- Eileen Mitchard (comment #91)
- Maria M. (comment #105)
Mindful Monday Tip #8
Tomorrow is the 21st...our day to knit with peaceful intentions. Take a few moments each day this week to think about peace. What do you need in your life to serve as a reminder to choose peace? Can you create your own version of a "peace pole?"