The MAGIC TREE: SEVEN HUES OF HARMONY // SPLORE // 2012

In the ancient scriptures the worship of trees is associated to ancient Eastern practice. The Ancient Aryans worshiped nature, and plants, trees and the elements were always revered with several rituals connected to them. This practice continues to be an element of modern Eastern traditions with individual trees, usually distinguished by species, position or appearance is used as an object of wishes and offerings.

Such trees are identified as possessing a special religious or spiritual value. By tradition, believers make offerings in order to gain from that spirit nature, for fulfilment of a wish. Drawing upon these histories Seven Hues of Harmony takes a pohutukawa tree located at a sacred site and brings it to life by turning the tree into a outdoor mediation, meditation temple space for the audience to enjoy. The audience can then decorate the collection of stupas - a Tibetan form called a Chorten which represents the basis of offering.  It is a symbol of enlightened mind, (the awakened mind, universal divinity) and the path to its realisation. These Spiritual Monuments will be available to the participants to decorate and leave with the tree temple so that the sacred space continues to grow.

Situated in a Beguiling Bay on the shores of Tapapakanga Regional Park, the three-day Splore festival introduces fresh energy and a new dimension to the ancient homeland of the tangata whenua Ngāti Whanaunga and Ngāti Pāoa.