Friday, October 29, 2010

Photo-Finish Friday - Sacred Area

Sacred Site

The  interpretive fire trail on the way to Landslide Lake goes through an area sacred to the local natives. Several such areas can be found throughout the west country and are marked by clothing attached to trees.
Forgive me, but I cannot remember the reason right now and I can't find it.*
It always gives me pause to find one of these areas. It makes the earth seem that much more alive.

*ETA: The fabric is an offering to the spirits.

19 comments:

carla said...

oh
oh
and now this misfit NEEDS to know the reason.

Laurita said...

I think your photo really captured that feeling - that there's somethingmore there. Really nice.

Leah J. Utas said...

Carla, I will tell you as soon as I remember. I promise.
I have known the reason for more than 20 years. Yesterday, my mind was blank.

Laurita, thank you so much.

Hilary said...

I'd like to know too..

Leah J. Utas said...

Hilary, I swear as soon as I remember or can find it or someone who knows sees this and tells me I'll let everyone know.

Dawn said...

This picture made me want to stand still....everything is hushed.
Will look back to know the reason too:)

Leah J. Utas said...

Dawn, it makes one quiet to stand in that area. I will get back to everyone on this as soon as I find out.

David Barber said...

Great shot, Leah. I went to Cyprus some years ago and there was a place like it there but I can't remember the purpose of it either...

Happy Halloween.

Reb said...

That's lovely. I look forward to the reasons.

messymimi said...

Whatever their intent, it reminds me we need these trees.

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, David. Interesting about Cyprus.

Thanks, Reb. Uhhh...so do I.

So very true, Messymimi.

the Bag Lady said...

I, too, am interested to know the reason!

It is rather eerie to see all those articles of clothing hanging there.

Leah J. Utas said...

Bag Lady, it is. It's such an interesting sight and feeling that I'm not sure I can describe it. I will find out and add it to the post.

Frank Baron said...

It would give me pause too, Leah. I'd want to try to absorb whatever essence existed there - to sense what made it sacred.

Perhaps the clothes are there in case the spirits need to warm themselves on especially cold nights. Or maybe, when they want to slip into town or wander among the living, they clothe themselves first so they may more likely pass without notice.

Anonymous said...

What an unusual sight. I'd love to know the symbolism of these clothes on the trees.

Leah J. Utas said...

Me, too, Frank. I like your idea.

Hello ladyfi, I found out a little while ago and have added it to the post.

Frank Baron said...

Aha! My theories are as good as any. ;)

Thanks for the update, Leah.

Cheryl Kohan said...

That photograph is heart stopping! It's beautiful I'm so touched by all things native and really wish we could be as spiritual as they are.

Leah J. Utas said...

Frank, you are welcome.

Cheryl, thanks. I agree.