Here are two ideas on celebrating Peace Day from school teacher James J. Bresky of Winter Haven, FL.  Thank you James!

Peace Bell

To inaugurate the day, the “Peace Bell” is rung at UN Headquarters.  The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents.  It was given as a gift by the Diet of Japan, and is referred to as “a reminder of the human cost of war.”  The inscription on its side reads:  ”Long live absolute world peace”.

What can be done in your community:

1.  Church bells in our communities can ring in accord with the ringing of the Peace Bell at the United Nations on September 21.

2.  Mayors and public officials can honor the day with formal proclamations.

Dream Trees

A “Dream Tree” is simply a Christmas Tree, which bears all the recognized symbols of a world at peace; the tree is topped by a lighted, gold star (gold is a symbol of something precious, a star the symbol of humankinds’ highest ideals, and light to scatter the darkness of violence).

The recognized symbols are:  The peace symbol (three prong fork in a circle); dove with green branch in its mouth, world globes, children dressed in culture garments, flags of different nations; bells, candles, broken rifles, paper cranes (Japanese origami); the word “peace” in various languages, and multi colored lights (diversity).  Symbols can be made of laminated paper, baker’s clay or other medium.

The Dream Tree can be dedicated in formal lighting or in  a ceremony.  During the season various choral groups can “carol” in the various languages in the community (For Christians, an image of the Baby Jesus can be placed on the star topper or into the tree center.  Jesus is recognized as the “Prince of Peace”.  The theme of the holiday season (whether secular or Christian) is “Peace on Earth…Goodwill to Humankind”.

This symbol is one which is familiar to children and emphasizes peace.  Little peace ornaments can be distributed and the request made to put them on home trees and unite the Dream Tree to the home celebrations.  Peace is not a concept to be feared or ignored; especially in caring for our children and their attitudes regarding themselves and peace in our world.  Publish your communities display on local news and newspapers!

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 at 2:51 pm and is filed under Peace Day Ideas. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.