Walking along one of the trails in the Ala Archa National Park in Kyrgyzstan I came along some pine trees that had all kinds of ribbons tied to their
lower branches. I had no idea what this was for so I took pictures hoping for an answer later.
I forgot to ask at the hotel so I made it back home clueless. I am happy I made new local friends in Kyrgyzstan. I was able to send e-mails with the pictures and ask. So if you are curious like me, here is the answer from my new friends:
“In our nation it is considered as a tree of wishes and happiness. Visiting these places people tie ribbons and ask God for the welfare of the family, the people and the whole world. Sometimes they tie these tapes to fulfill their desires and dreams. Some people tie ribbons and pray for the departed souls of loved ones from this world.”
He said that he translated from the Russian language into English with the help of Google Translate, so if he is wrong, “write a petition”. Funny! I love his humor! And I love such traditions.
Another tradition in Kyrgyzstan I will mention in another post, Right of Circumcision. That one is painful for two year old boys! Ouch!