Humankind seems to make great efforts to make sure those who have gone before them are remembered, and Central Park is certainly indicative of this.
Throughout the park, there are over four thousand benches baring the names of those who have passed away – such as the one seen here.
A number of other memorials in Central Park pay homage to well known people who have passed away – such as the Imagine Circle dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, who was assassinated in the archway of the Dakota, just outside the park, on December 8, 1980.
Holidays always seem to be a time when people make an extra effort to honor those who have passed. A Christmas wreath could be found within the mosaic when I walked by on December 26, the day after Christmas.
However, it’s not just the passing of people we should remember during the holidays, but also the passing of animals, who should be honored for their own sake – and to lighten the pain of those who have lost their pets.
I came upon a memorial dedicated to such losses while walking in Central Park on yesterday’s cold December afternoon, when I discovered an awesome Christmas tree filled with ornaments in an array of shapes and sizes.
Most of the ornaments are photos of departed pets, laminated and hung with ribbons, with occasional pet toys and mementos hanging by hooks.
All kinds of pets are included – such as a pet bird …
… a pet turtle …
… a beloved park squirrel …
… as well as dearly departed cats and dogs …
A woman visiting the tree told me it’s decorated every year, and the display will be up until January 6, 2021.
She also told me its exact location is a secret to those who meet to share an ornament and a memory. Having said this, the secret holiday tree is in a very public park and people will come upon it, just as I did.
This is why I cannot ever leave this city.
I’ve lived here for 10 years and never knew about the tree until Christmas Eve, when a friend led me there to hang a photo of our dear Mr. Ed. What a gift!
Thank you for honoring Mr. Ed by sharing his photo on your blog.
It’s a big park. Leave a hint. I lost my cat 2 weeks ago and would love to help decorate the tree.
It’s somewhere in the Rambles
Odd that the location would be a secret. It’s in the Ramble, can’t miss it. All of the photos are laminated, smart. Which made me wonder if someone adds, then removes, these photos each year. Or if people are savvy enough to laminate their own phots and hang them. Either way, it’s a wonderful memorial for past pets.
It’s in the northeast part of the Ramble, a bit south of the 79th St transverse. No better way to give directions except go in that area and hunt for it. We lost our boy Loui right after New Year’s 2020 but haven’t had the heart to hang his picture there yet…
Thank you. I lost my sweet cat 2 weeks ago. Will try to find the tree and hang her photo.
It is so worth seeing this Magical Tree – in loving memory of our departed pets. It’s heartfelt and touching. Located in The Ramble, the 36 acre rustic woodland in Central Park. Find the “Tupelo Meadow” on a Google map of The Ramble. The Tree is located on the pedestrian path right near the only large rock outcrop that overlooks the Tupelo Meadow. It glistens with Love and Joy…and celebrates the unconditional companionship that our pets, mostly beloved dogs and cats – have given to us.