Whitehorse Weeping Tree

In the Christian calendar year, the season of Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, signalling the beginning of a journey of grief which lasts for 40 days. This year, Lent starts on Wednesday, February 18.  Our sorrows aren’t meant to be hidden and buried. In a world that teaches us to do so, Christians believe that grief holds its own sacredness. Through the practice of lament, we acknowledge our humanity and the wonder of being able to feel deep sorrow while also experiencing complete joy and hope.

What is the Whitehorse Weeping Tree?

The Whitehorse Weeping Tree is an invitation to everyone to hold space for our sorrow and grief which otherwise may be silenced and suffocating. It is a way of sharing our mourning with each other and holding our suffering together.

Where is the Whitehorse Weeping Tree?( After Feb. 18)

Walk along the Millennium trail and find the tree located about 90 m from the Yukon Canoe and Kayak club parking lot. It is a few meters away from the Selkirk Street storm sewer line facility bridge. Google maps link

What do I do at the Whitehorse Weeping Tree?

Please open the box and take a ribbon. Use one of the markers provided and write your grief on it. Find a branch and hang your sorrow on the Whitehorse Weeping Tree.

If you aren’t able to walk to the Whitehorse Weeping Tree, please go to Riverdale Baptist Church (15 Duke Rd) where you can write your grief on a ribbon and it will be hung on the tree for you.

Maybe you’d like to say a prayer. Maybe you’d like to look in silence. Maybe you’d like to take a breath and realize you’re not alone. Then perhaps tell someone else who is burdened by grief to visit the tree.

On Friday April 3, the ribbons will be taken down and carried to Riverdale Baptist Church where they will be hung on the cross, prayed for, and held with hope.