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  Cradle of life  

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Uploaded: 11/28/05 4:39 AM GMT
Cradle of life
Views: 1522
Dlds: 292
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As you can see these are miniature cradles and coins wrapped in colorful cloths hanging on a tree. But the truth behind this is a ritual which is done by married woman who don’t have children. This is a type of an offering given to gods, which I captured while I was visiting a Hindu temple. It made me think for a while when I came upon this tree. Thank you for viewing.

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::laurengary
11/28/05 5:09 AM GMT
Is this what is known as a Wishing Tree ? This is such a poignant image, it really tugs at my heartstrings. To know that each little cradle, each coin, is a dream or an unfulfilled wish is just heart wrenching. I sincerely hope every lady who went there saw her dream come true.
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Two wrongs don't make a right, three lefts do.
::verenabloo
11/28/05 6:09 AM GMT
Such a very sensitive thought comes with this tree and all those cradles..I think its most interesting to look at and ponder on. It has made me think....I cant imagine anyone not having at least just one child...but I was an only child...it was very lonely..but this tree is kind of like an offereing of some sort I imagine. Maybe by it being there strong and alive and the cradles hanging from it...it would make the women realize that they too can be strong..but I dont know if they would think on that...It takes strenght to have a child, or not to be able to have one, or to lose one..but I am glad you posted this image, it has certainly made me think.
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My part is to improve the present moment.....
.Trin
11/28/05 7:38 AM GMT
very nice image, however maybe you could have played with the contrast a little bit to bring out the colours. Either way, I like the story behind this, very thought provoking, the cradles are a cry for help from these unfortunate women... is very interesting getting to know different customs and believes in other parts of the world. This kinda reminds me of a tree in a monastery here in Greece that I once saw, where people tied up on the branches pieces of their clothes. Apparently it was believed, that leaving something theirs close to the monastery, would keep them protected.
Thank you for posting this, a most interesting foto.
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Is this burning an eternal flame ?
.jaecee666
11/28/05 8:36 AM GMT
A very emotional image. The story behind this image is very sad, but also gives hope - women who are not able to have children can come to this place and see that they are not alone, and maybe find some support in the fact that there are other women going through what they are dealing with.
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Life is a series of delicious deleriousness! Here is my current literary work.
.mum42
11/28/05 10:46 AM GMT
Such an interesting angle you have used to compose this shot - it allows the viewer to really appreciate the emptiness of the cradle as a metaphor for other empty feelings. So touching.
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Never give up. “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” John Quincy Adams
::postaldude66
11/28/05 10:47 AM GMT
What an amazing of story of desperate wishes. I think everyone else has summed up this picture. Once again i congratulate you on your photojournalism, your skills are apparent. Well done
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.BRIX
11/28/05 3:38 PM GMT
very nice and interesting captured, a perfect shot to contribute to the traditions thru a window (CAMERA), and let everyone know about it...very senstivite, and passionate desire to get their own child....at the same emtyness and glorious moments...uits a great piece
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“Suspiros etereos se abrazan con un beso eterno” Enjoy My Gallery
::BernieSpeed
11/28/05 3:59 PM GMT
I watched your image carefully and read your very touching story. Then I read all the comments above and I have to admit, that there is nothing left for me to say. My heart goes out to all that women (and men too) who whish to have a child. It is a wonderful experience to have children and the world would be a better place if people would concentrate on raising a family and giving love and hope to their children instead of fighting their political or religious opponents.
Thanks for sharing this, Priyantha...
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.dave54
11/28/05 5:45 PM GMT
Technically, I can echo some earlier comments: more contrast would heighten the visual impact. However, the composition is nicely done. With the cradles confined to the lower portion of the frame, the fact they are hanging at some height is accented. As you say, a thought-provoking image ... - Dave
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::Paul_Gerritsen
11/28/05 6:22 PM GMT
This is truly a very emotional and imaginative photo. Excellent!
It brings back memories of my journey through Thailand where similar rituals are practised. Your story is striking and heartbraking.
I will vote: 10! Thanks you so much for sharing.
Paul
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If you can't find the words, you may as well shoot it...
::DrPepper89
11/28/05 10:09 PM GMT
Very interesting photo! I love the composition of this and the subject matter is so cool. You're right, it does tell a story. This is a wonderful image! Love the symbolism, it's perfect. Thank you for posting and sharing this little bit of culture with us!
-Laurel
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Start a trend! Instead of saying "Thanks for commenting" on someone's personal page...say thanks by commenting on an image!
::Neamh
11/28/05 10:33 PM GMT
A great prespective with the cradles hanging over the water and with the nice colours.A thought provoking image as well.I think that if you did darken this a little and up the contrast too it would bring more out in this image.Really nicely done Priyanthab..
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::AlphaDog
11/28/05 11:02 PM GMT
I am in agreement with all the previous posters and am glad you shared this with us. From a more detached perspective, this image provides a unique blend of geometric shapes and colors at different sizes, shapes and angles. Very interesting and unique just from a visual perspective. Although heartbreaking it is also an image of hope.
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.lithop
11/30/05 5:35 AM GMT
Such an interesting image....though somewhat sad on reading the explanation of it.The thoughts and customs of other people always make us reappraise our own....Thanks for sharing.
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.Dunstickin
11/30/05 11:39 AM GMT
This image makes me a bit thoughtful! A great many of us do not really understand the rituals and customs of other nations... Priyantha, you have done a wonderful job in 'portraying' and showing us the significance of this one!.....many kind thanks for sharing it with us....
Regards...Bob
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RisingWest
12/01/05 7:58 AM GMT
This image is teaming with interesting subject matter which I like very much. I like how the green leaves just seem to blend into the cradles, it igves the photo an artistic feel. Maybe a little more contast though to give it even more meaning? Just a thought, but great shato.

RisingWest
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.yetithebeast
12/01/05 5:31 PM GMT
Yo! This is a great shoot!
I like the colors and the compositon, and nihil_nemo likes it too. He cant speak english so I translate.
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.kiciaczek
12/02/05 12:59 AM GMT
Very impressive photo. Did you have to climb the tree to take this shot? Great composition, and the story behind it.
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"Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought." Albert Szent-Gyorgi
.mcgregorfan
12/02/05 7:05 PM GMT
This is really great. I love folk lore and mythology and this is the type of thing I love to see. Old ways that are still alive. Thanks for the capture.
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LastOneStanding
12/03/05 5:00 PM GMT
This brings new meaning to the song "Rock-a-bye Baby" lol
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~*~ Life's a Dance You Learn As You Go~*~
.maxwell299
12/06/05 8:01 PM GMT
What a interesting story, Great picture
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.sansoni7
12/11/05 9:47 PM GMT
Good pic for an interesting story...
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Look around and catch it ; the Art is there !
::heidlerr
12/15/05 11:20 PM GMT
A interesting view of local customs. Nice composition.
Russ
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View the world with your mind's eye. Mr. Russ
::arneh
12/17/05 9:41 AM GMT
You found a very interesting and thought-provoking subject here. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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-- Arne --
::civ
12/24/05 12:18 AM GMT
incredible story and picture, much to explore. thank you! civ
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::dreamer100
01/02/06 10:33 PM GMT
The shapes and colors themselves are a treat to explore. It's a living document to an age old ritual that happens to be lovely and full of emotion.
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.Mudpuppy
01/12/06 5:37 PM GMT
Again, this is a wonderful sight and along with your story to match this picture just makes you think about all the unfortunate who cannot have children. I think that this is a great capture here and terrific overall shot. Nice work from you.
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"Holy, holy, holy is the lord God Almighty - the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come."
::madmaven
06/10/06 11:58 AM GMT
I have been browsing galleries all night...and wonder why I have missed your work all this time. It is all amazing. This photo, evokes sadness and also hope. Well done.
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The Voting Booth is your friend..........:)
.SketchingFaerie
06/17/06 4:15 AM GMT
seems like the sort of thing you'd come apon in a dream

i like it a lot
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.:Your life depends on how you see it; keep a positive state of mind:.
.PatAndre
06/21/06 2:21 AM GMT
This is what gets me about the voting system sometimes. This image deserves far more than what it is getting. So what's wrong with the phtography? Not much. So why the low c-index? U guess when it comes up in the voting booth, it does so minus the explantion which is necessary for the composition to be understood. A cfomposition should stand on it's own? Not always. Many times compositions are educational via the photo and the write up. Anyway, I wanted you to know I can and will rate it much higher than what it got should the opportunity arise. Nice work.
Pat
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.FliryVorru
07/04/06 5:47 AM GMT
I like this photo. The biggest reason for this is it being a busy, but well constructed photo. Very well done.
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I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
.softie
11/03/06 4:10 AM GMT
What an amazing photograph. I'm so intrigued by the story and the thoughts behind such a ritual. The colors are wonderful, the clarity is amazing, and the story saddens the heart. You've captured it all. Thanks so much for sharing.
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