ES Arts: I Wish A Wish

In Brazil, they are called Bahia Bands, which are basically wish bracelets. The bands have a rich history spanning over 200 years and have recently become more popular throughout the world. Thought to bring the wearer good luck, each band’s color conveys a message or a desire. In Japan, there is a celebration which occurs every year called Tanabata. It is associated with people of all ages making a wish, writing it on colorful strips of paper (tanzaku) and tying them to a bamboo tree. This tree may be at a shrine or simply tastefully put in your front garden. And now, at SVCS, ES and MS art teacher Cara Frost has brought this beautiful international tradition to the Elementary School, where students have been expanding their understanding of weaving with a symbolic weaving of wishes. Walk into the Elementary School foyer and guests and students are greeted with a loom of ribbons (collected from students' holiday presents), each one adorned with a handwritten wish. Students wrote their wishes during art class and presented to the Elementary faculty and parents during Community Meeting. Cara says, "There is no need for a name. Together we are wishing for magic, miracles, hard work, love, time, the past, and yes, no more masks! The true weaving of wishes began the following week as students picked another's' wish from the art installment to wish as well, bringing the ‘I Wish Your Wish’ project full circle. These ribbons were put in pockets, tied on backpacks, wrapped around wrists, and hung from tree branches. I wish your wish and someone out there is wishing mine, for me. We are woven.” Join in and write your wish and add it to the collective wishing energy.