I am fascinated by this report under the Star Metro section of our local newspaper The Star, publication dated 20 December 2009, title "Reviving an old Malay custom."
Planting a tree for every birth in the family is a Malay custom that, sadly, is almost lost. Many people are unaware of this tradition.
Recently, the Ampang Jaya Municipal Countil (MPAJ) launched a programme, "Satu Kelahiran, Satu Pokok (One Birth, One Tree) in cooperation with the Ampang Hostpital, Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital and Pantai Hospital. Chinese, Indian and Malay parents were selected to plant trees at an event organised by MPAJ. A total of 60 trees were planted in the empty lot next to the Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.
The Selangor government has set a target of 90,000 trees for the local countils to plant this year. MPAJ has exceeded the target when they planted 97,000 trees this year.
Participants were very happy that the local councils were doing a good job of balancing development with environment care.
Do you like the idea of planting a tree in your own compound or garden to mark the birth of each of your children?
Thank you to Michelle of Rambling Woods for hosting Think(ing) Green Thursday # 30. To participate or to view contributions from other green thinkers around the globe, please visit here.
Planting trees in our own compound? For city folks living in terrace houses, 2 cars already take up all the space. Tough...
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Wowie not aware of the 'one birth one tree' programme and also the Malay custom. TQ. Have a great New 2010 Year.
ReplyDeletecan just plant in pots. happy new year!
ReplyDeletehi..coming by.. greetings from IPOH.. trees are beautiful when they are along the streets, giving us the shade of peace.. but my own house? no place la..
ReplyDeleteAnyway, wishing u a Happy New Year!
Happy new year, and thanks for your visits and comments these last few months! In Catalan, we say: bon any!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great custom.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful New Year.
I'm so glad I tried again, and was able this time to post a comment. Couldn't reach your blog before.
ReplyDeleteThis custom is such a nice one. Planting a tree at any time is a grand idea. Doing it to commemorate a birth is lovely. My daughter did this when her son was born.
I like the idea very much! It should offset in a very little bit the environmental impact of every additional human.
ReplyDeleteThat twisted and bent tree is awesome, by the way.
Happy New Year! May your 2010 be filled with peace, joy and love.
I think that is a wonderful idea. I would only have one tree to plant and I guess it's not too late even thought my daughter is an adult. I have been wanting to plant a tree across the pond..I can do it in honor of my daughter...wonderful Thinking Green post... Michelle
ReplyDeleteI'm a malay and I've never heard of this tradition here in Singapore. If everyone were to do that, then we're would have a big jungle over here! lol
ReplyDelete