On the average Saturday morning not many would expect a crowd of people in a strangers front yard, of course unless the yard hosts a wishing tree. The Portland wishing tree, located on 4048 N Williams Ave, is without leaves during the cold season, yet the branches remain dressed with hundreds of slips of paper tied to the branches with strings.
The sign in front of the tree lists minimalistic instructions saying “Write a wish, tie to the tree.” A small waterproof plastic jar contains the slips of paper with an assortment of pens resting nearby.
Kristine Shih, a local Taiwanese mom of two, enjoying community events with her family, describes the tree as a cultural anomaly in town.
“In places like in Asia, wishing shrines are common to see outside of temples. But, seeing one here in someone’s front yard is strange to see,” Shih explained.
In regards to the appearance of the tree, Shih views its small frame as comical.
“I mean the tree has more wishes than leaves,” Shih joked.
She believes the tree serves as a symbol of Portland’s rich cultural diversity. Shih’s primary goal is connecting her children with their culture. Although they may be unfamiliar with traditional wishing shrines, familiar attractions such as these bring a reminder of their culture to Portland.
Even from the street the wishing tree catches the attention of individuals simply passing by. Nolan Cress, a city explorer and supporter of community spaces, was road tripping from Colorado during fall break when he stumbled upon the tree while getting breakfast at a local business. Kress was surprised by the accessible free activities available in Portland.
“I wish there were more community spaces like these because they’re so cool to just like find,” Kress explained.
After leaving a wish for him and his dog Milo on a branch of the tree and snapping a photo, Kress returned to his journey exploring Portland.
The businesses located on the same street as the wishing tree attract many people to the site. While passing by, Portlander and community member Rachel Anderson gave commentary on the location.
“This area is an opportunity to support a local business plus enjoy a free activity, I mean it doesn’t get better than this,” Anderson explained.
With the now closed James Beard Award winning Jinju Patisserie across the street from the wishing tree, former customers were able to get a treat along with their visit to the tree.
The Portland wishing tree is a prominent example of the rich diversity and community-oriented values of the city. By creating additional free activities open to the public, Portland becomes far more accessible for all. Supporting local free activities encourages the further creation of more community spaces such as the wishing tree.
