Mysterious Wishing Tree Offering Hope For Some NJ Dreamers
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Some dreamers in New Jersey are finding hope in an unexpected place.
At first glance, you might think the giant evergreen tree off Ramshore Drive and Atlantic Avenue in Wall Township has Christmas decorations hanging from it, but when you take a closer look, you find hundreds of white pieces of paper with very personal thoughts written on them.
It's known as the wishing tree.
An anonymously placed sign along the Edgar Felix Bike Path invites passersby to write a hope or dream, make a wish, seek solace or pray for a loved one.
Some of the wishes are lighthearted while others are very serious.
Some read, "I wish for a dog," "I wish for love, happiness and wealth to all," "I wish my health is OK," and "I wish all would be kind and respect one another."
It's still unknown who started the wishing tree, but locals say it's been growing strong for weeks.
John Shors, author of "The Wishing Trees," told CBS2's Meg Baker via Facetime that he started studying the trees in Japanese culture.
"Individuals with a concern, a problem, something like that would put down their wish on a piece of paper, tie it to the tree and hope that the wind, that the energy of the world and the park and so forth, would carry their wish up to their ancestors, to their god, their gods, who would then grant their wish," Shors said.
The mysterious wishing tree creator started a symbol of hope all are welcome to share in.