Oodena Celebration Circle is actually a naked eye observatory, inspired by the myths and sacred places of the many peoples drawn to The Forks. The name is two names put together- Oodena is Ojibwe for “heart of the community,” and Celebration Circle reflects that space is a gathering place for everyone.
During certain times of the year, when you stand at the base of the circle and look up the arms the holes align with gorgeous constellations.
1. Fisher - North Armature
Significance: In Anishinabe legend, The Big Dipper represents "Fisher," who was killed while stealing warm weather from the sky people. Though he was only able to warm half the year, Fisher's heroism was rewarded with an honoured place in the sky, marking the seasons as he circles the North Star.
2. Chi'nu - Northeast Armature
Visible: Summer Solstice Sunrise - Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at 5:20 a.m.
Significance: In Chinese legend, the weaving princess and the King's herdsman's love for each other caused them to forget their work, forcing the King to banish them to opposite sides of the Milky Way. One day each year, they are reunited when all magpies of the world form a bridge across this celestial river.
This arm also supports an aeolian harp, an ancient instrument played by the wind.
3. Vishnu - East Armature
Visible: Equinox Sunrise - Thursday, September 22, 2016, at 7:16 a.m.
Significance: In Hindu legend, Vishnu was allowed by the demon-king Bali to take as much land as he could claim in three steps. Transforming into a giant, Vishnu's first two steps claimed heaven and earth. His third step landed on the back of Bali, banishing him from the underworld.
4. Orion - Southeast Armature
Visible: Winter Solstice Sunrise - Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at 8:24 a.m.
Significance: Greek mythology tells a story of how Orion was killed by a giant scorpion. The gods then raised Orion and the Scorpion to the skies. As the scorpion constellation rises, Orion sets.
5. Aztec Sunstone (Antares in Scorpius) - South Armature
6. Isis - Southwest Armature
Visible: Winter Solstice Sunset - Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at 4:30 p.m.
Significance: In Egyptian legend, the constellation Virgo represents Isis, the greatest of their gods and goddesses. While fleeing the dreadful Typhon, Isis dropped a sheaf of wheat, scattering the grains across the heavens, creating the Milky Way.
7. Lion and Sickle - West Armature
Visible: Equinox Sunset - Thursday, September 22, 2016, at 7:25 p.m.
Significance: The brightest stars in the constellation "Leo" form a sickle. The Mesopotamians called this "Gis-mes" or "Curved Weapon" and when the sun passed through the sickle, it meant it was time for the summer solstice harvest.
8. Oya - Northwest Armature
The view of the stars is blocked by Johnston Terminal, so this armature features wind sculptures that respond to the weather and show the dance of Oya.
Significance: Oya is a powerful West African spirit of the wind. Her spiral dance represents the energy of the four elements. Oya brings rapid change and helps in inner and outer transformation.
The design of Oodena Celebration Circle was visioned and created by Garry Hilderman, Founding Partner of HTFC Planning and Design, who recently passed in January 2016.
Oodena Celebration Circle received a CSLA National Honour Award in 1995, an international Excellence on the Waterfront Honour Award in 1999, and a CSLA National Merit Award for the armature design in 2007. It has been featured in numerous publications locally and internationally, including a feature article in Landscape Architecture Magazine in 2011.
Information about Oodena Celebration circle was found online at HTFC Planning and Design.
Other posts that might interest you:
- Three Ways to Active Play at The Forks
- Homegrown Summer: A Visit to The Forks Farmers' Market
- Picking Something Fresh in the Public Orchard
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