As you know, the Akron Zoo has been hard at work preparing for the Lehner Family Foundation Wild Asia to open in the spring of 2021. Not only will this area be home to several species who can be found across the continent, but it will also feature elements of Asian architecture and culture as part of its design. One such element will include Tibetan prayer flags, which will be strung from our gibbon habitat, over the main walkway, to the peak of our red panda building.
Prayer flags were introduced to Tibet in the 7th century and are an integral part of Buddhist tradition. Early flags contained Buddhist prayers, mantras and pictures of god-like beings from the Bon tradition. However, these mantras are not believed to be carried to the gods. Instead, the words are carried on the wind, spreading goodwill and positive energy wherever they go. Prayer flags are made in five colors: blue, white, red, green and yellow. Each of these symbolize both an element and a state of mind. Blue flags represent the sky, an element related to purity and wisdom. White symbolizes air, as well as patience and self-reflection. Red symbolizes fire and compassion. Green symbolizes water, which is associated with joy. Yellow symbolizes earth and the value of equality. Together, the flags signify balance. As the words fade from exposure to the elements, it is believed that they have become a permanent part of the universe.
In order to engage our community, we have decided to ask for your help in writing positive sentiments to be printed on our prayer flags. We want the flags to represent our collective efforts to make positive changes in our daily lives. The goal of this project is to help us spread more positivity over the zoo, the Summit County Community, and the world! The Akron Zoo will be accepting flag submissions until March 12, 2021. You may send submissions to any of these five categories:
- Blue - sentiments of purity and wisdom
- White - sentiments patience and self-reflection
- Green - exclamations of joy
- Red - sentiments of compassion for our community and the natural world
- Yellow - sentiments for greater equality in our world
Submissions can be sent to names@akronzoo.org. Guests may submit up to two entries per category. Submissions must be 15 words or less. Submissions that are negative, unkind, or targeted towards or against a specific group of people will not be accepted.