On a recent walk I stumbled upon a pair of shoes hanging from the branch of a tree. This isn't the first time I've seen this strange phenomena but I'm always a little confused by it and wonder "why do people do that?"
A quick search reveals varying explanations . . . . an act of bullying, advertising the sale of drugs, to mark the death of someone, to commemorate a rite of passage, as a practical joke or simply human instinct in wanting to leave our mark.
It's as though each pair tells a story, but one that's written in a foreign language. I'd love to be able to be able to decipher it all and learn why someone felt compelled to throw away a pair of shoes.
Have you ever done this? What were your reasons? Did you walk home barefoot? Enquiring minds would love to know.
I like to think that is was brought from Kansas by a twister. I know it rains fish and frogs...and shoes too?
ReplyDeleteRaining shoes . . . I like that idea.
ReplyDeletehave seen that over highline wires mostly here in Dallas area. not sure the significance, but intriguing none the less - and maybe that's the whole point. :)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately this is probable not a good sign. Shoes hanging from wire or trees is noramally done by a gang marking their territory
ReplyDeleteI've never done this with my shoes or anyone else's. But it would be interesting to know the story behind each pair of lost "souls"
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting. Bullying - I'd heard of..and has always been what I thought it was about. Marking the place where drugs are sold? WOW..kind of creepy...y'know?
ReplyDeleteNow - every time I see this..I'm going to start thinking of what the story is behind the scenes.
They look to be brand new. If I was with you, I might have been tempted to scramble up there and retrieve them.
ReplyDelete"Might have." ;)
It's intriguing isn't it? Looking it up on the web kind of creeped me out when I read some of the more negative associations but it does make you wonder. I like to think that it's done from a place of humor.
ReplyDeleteYikes... I had no idea that was a gang mark! I have seen them on power lines, but I don't think in a tree.
ReplyDeleteMakes you wonder, how would such a ritual get started. And if you are looking to buy drugs, do you just drive around looking for shoes hanging from something?
ReplyDelete"Excuse me. I saw your sign, er, shoes. I'd like to buy some drugs please."
Debbie, I know what you mean. It really is peculiar.
ReplyDeleteI have seen these from time to time here and then there's the mysterious shoe lying in the middle of the freeway. Never realized that the shoes hanging might have some significance. Pretty interesting. Thanks for sharing Kathryn.
ReplyDeleteI've wondered this many times as well! I see them over power lines and wonder how they got there. The idea of an act of bullying makes me sad though....I never thought of that.
ReplyDeleteIsn't there a tree somewhere in Arizona that is covered with hanging shoes?