DIRT documents: [# 14]
Tree carvings are often made to leave a permanent mark in a place that is constantly changing.
Most contain initials, names, dates, hearts and even symbols. In many cases there is little context beyond a few letters carved into bark.
The people who made them are usually long gone. The relationships and moments that inspired the carving may have ended years ago. Yet the marks often remain regardless of time.
What makes tree carvings interesting is that they preserve evidence of a person without preserving their story. It’s the significance of a person being present and their proof of existence during that time.
A set of initials may have represented so much more or someone simply passing through. There is usually no way to be certain.
The carving remains on the tree for decades but the meaning behind them fades out of existence only with the moments residing with those who carved them.
