Nature's Masterpiece: The Siwash Rock
The Siwash Rock is a gigantic 18-foot rock that is a famous Vancouver landmark. The rock is distinctive because of the Douglas Fir that stands atop this natural structure, and also because it is the only rock formation of its kind in the Vancouver area. The Siwash Rock is a basalt stack that formed from magma and volcanic eruptions that occurred almost 32 million years ago. Being made of basalt, Siwash is a lot more resistant to natural forces such as erosion and has managed to remain tall for millennia.
The word "Siwash" stems from the Chinook jargon word for a person of First Nations heritage. The illustration on the right was done by the then Governor General of Canada during 1888. He entitled it "Nature's Monument", because Siwash Rock was unnamed at the time. While "Siwash Rock" is in fact a name of European invention, the Siwash Rock has long been a part of the Native Culture.
In
The Siwash Rock, Pauline Johnson tells the tale of the warrior who defies the Gods in order to protect the cleanliness of his child and as a result is transformed into a gigantic rock, the Siwash Rock itself, to stand as a symbol for generations to come. The Siwash Rock does indeed stand for many things in the Native culture. The plaque at the base of Siwash Rock says that the rock is a symbol of unselfishness. A trait different yet not too far from fatherhood because fatherhood in itself can be seen as an act of unselfishness. "Giving everything for your child."
Today, the Siwash Rock stands as tall as ever within the beauty of the vast Stanley Park. Tourists and Vancouverites alike have stood on the cliffs overlooking Siwash Rock to admire the scenery. Besides being a tourist attraction, Siwash Rock has also served some interesting purposes. It was used for an artillery battery and searchlights during WWI, and became the living quarters for mountain goats! Tall, strong, clean and unselfish, the Siwash Rock is a great representation of both Vancouver and the wonders of nature.
The Siwash Rock is a gigantic 18-foot rock that is a famous Vancouver landmark. The rock is distinctive because of the Douglas Fir that stands atop this natural structure, and also because it is the only rock formation of its kind in the Vancouver area. The Siwash Rock is a basalt stack that formed from magma and volcanic eruptions that occurred almost 32 million years ago. Being made of basalt, Siwash is a lot more resistant to natural forces such as erosion and has managed to remain tall for millennia.
The word "Siwash" stems from the Chinook jargon word for a person of First Nations heritage. The illustration on the right was done by the then Governor General of Canada during 1888. He entitled it "Nature's Monument", because Siwash Rock was unnamed at the time. While "Siwash Rock" is in fact a name of European invention, the Siwash Rock has long been a part of the Native Culture.
In The Siwash Rock, Pauline Johnson tells the tale of the warrior who defies the Gods in order to protect the cleanliness of his child and as a result is transformed into a gigantic rock, the Siwash Rock itself, to stand as a symbol for generations to come. The Siwash Rock does indeed stand for many things in the Native culture. The plaque at the base of Siwash Rock says that the rock is a symbol of unselfishness. A trait different yet not too far from fatherhood because fatherhood in itself can be seen as an act of unselfishness. "Giving everything for your child."
Today, the Siwash Rock stands as tall as ever within the beauty of the vast Stanley Park. Tourists and Vancouverites alike have stood on the cliffs overlooking Siwash Rock to admire the scenery. Besides being a tourist attraction, Siwash Rock has also served some interesting purposes. It was used for an artillery battery and searchlights during WWI, and became the living quarters for mountain goats! Tall, strong, clean and unselfish, the Siwash Rock is a great representation of both Vancouver and the wonders of nature.
No comments:
Post a Comment