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Tejeda dedication ceremony for oriental garden


A dedication ceremony was held for the newest addition of History Hill on Apr. 5, 2008 during Tejeda Middle School's annual History Faire and Culture Fest. The Tejeda Oriental Garden was built by a former student and T-Wolf, Ricky Fink. He completed the project as part of his Eagle Scout requirements. Ricky is currently a senior at Reagan High School. Below is information on Tejeda’s Oriental Garden.

Oriental Gardens are famous for their symbolism, tranquility and ability to promote an effect with a subtle hint. These traits are the focus of Tejeda’s garden. In the entry way there is a Torii Gate. This is a Shinto symbol that indicates entry into a Shinto shrine. Foo Dogs are also placed here and they are meant to scare away evil spirits, allowing only your good spirits to enter the garden with you.

Since Japan is incredibly mountainous, the Japanese people had to use terraces to do most of their farming. The garden is terraced to pay homage to the craftsmanship of these terraces. The overall flow of the garden is based upon the idea of the passing of the seasons. Starting in the bottom left corner it flows from spring, into summer, across to autumn and down to winter. In the middle, is a Zen garden with a stone lantern which symbolizes the passing of time.

Superintendent Richard A. Middleton was on hand for the dedication ceremony along with garden designer Ricky Fink.





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