MaggieTKat’s mom Wanda, creator of the BlogPaws Honor Flag Project
Everybody has memories of someone who has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge (OTRB). Some of us make private altars or displays of some kind in our houses to commemorate the love we shared with our companions. It’s very rare, however, to share the memories of that love publicly. Thanks to @MaggieTKat and her human mom, everyone who attended BlogPaws 2012 got the opportunity to do just that.
The BlogPaws Honor Flag Project invited everyone at the conference to make a flag to honor a beloved OTRB companion or a shelter or a person who has done significant work to protect the welfare of us companion animals.
Honor flags hang on the line.
“Blogs can easily spread details about animal-related interests,” Maggie said. “However, a physical manifestation of our love for animals is important as well.” Maggie and her mom were inspired by Tibetan prayer flags my human sent them a few months ago and an article in Cloth, Paper, Scissors, a magazine that both of our humans read.
The Tibetan Buddhist prayer flag tradition started long ago in India. The colors of the flags represent earth, water, fire, air and space. The wind carries well-being to all the people in the area. They also may have text or symbols printed on them to increase their power, according to Tibetan Prayer Flags.
BlogPaws participants making honor flags.
The Prayer Flag Project featured in Cloth, Paper, Scissors introduced two things that became part of the BlogPaws Honor Flag Project: making them yourself for your own intention and including more than just fabric in the flags.
“The concept of prayer, or honor, flags was to spread our thoughts, feelings, and intent for all to benefit,” said Maggie. “Our love for OTRB pets is one way that we can deeply move others, and that was one of the main ideas for the honor flags. Recognition of shelters, rescue groups, and the wonderful staff shows the caring and love that reside deep in these efforts.”
Honor flag for @PepiSmartDog made by MaggieTKat’s mom
Maggie’s mom made a couple of flags before she left for the conference and brought fabric, buttons, markers, glue and all sorts of stuff to Salt Lake City and set up two tables with supplies. She also stayed around the tables to help others make their flags.
The Honor Flag display spanned the stage at BlogPaws 2012.
The flags were presented at the end of the conference on a line that strung across the stage from one end to the other.
Photo of BlogPaws Honor Flag display by Rebecka, the official BlogPaws photographer. My human took all the other photos for this story.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
What a wonderful thing to do <3
Such a beautiful and thoughtful way to remember those dear friends who are no longer with us.
Love the Honor Flags, they are so positive in every way. Mum and I love the flag @MaggieTKat’s mom, Wanda made in memory of me. What a wonderful addition for BlogPaws to have each year. Great job Wanda and thank you @CheshireK for your lovely article about them. :=o)