Both of these terms are architectural in nature, a field flooded with competition. In a move to break away from the mundane, architectural firms are turning to tradition and history as platforms of promotional value, with a revival of groundbreaking and cornerstone laying ceremonies. CeremonialSupplies.com is all about ceremonies, grand openings, and special groundbreakings. First cutting of ground and laying of the cornerstone are rituals seeped in tradition and let's face it, a bit of mystery and secrecy as well. So we thought we'd share some of what we've discovered about the significance of rituals associated with groundbreaking ceremonies and laying of the cornerstone.
The Significance of Groundbreaking Ceremonies and Groundbreaking Tools
Groundbreaking ceremonies are exactly that. The first sod-cutting, where a shovel digs into the dirt for clearing, excavating, and leveling the area according to the architect's plan. What's special about this moment? Well, according to the ancient builders, everything. The lot was purchased, cleared, and a drawing was made. Groundbreaking is when the project ceases to live on paper and becomes real. A physical structure that will take shape, and shape the community as much as everyone connected to it. The dynamics of the energy involved in all endeavors of construct are important, and like all energy, it travels. It becomes the feeling and attitude of the workers, the acceptance of the public, and ultimately the success of the venture. Starting on the side of graceful acknowledgments is always a good thing and this is where the groundbreaking ceremony comes in. It is essentially, a consecration of ground in as much as the effort it required from all involved is sacred, to them at least, which makes the occasion meaningful. Here's a list of essential groundbreaking supplies for a ceremony that can combine tradition, with modern tools.
The ceremonial groundbreaking shovel or shovels, depending how many people will take part in the sod-cutting ceremony, are the stars of the event. They represent an extension of the hands of the creators. The groundbreaking shovels are the tools that will put the vision, the intent, and the energy, into the ground and thus assuring a safe and worthy creation built for the greater good. CeremonialSupplies.com has a wide selection of ceremonial groundbreaking shovels that range from our standard, stainless steel chrome shovel blade with wood handle, to the deluxe model with a steel handle, and the traditional long stem, or the mirror polished chrome stainless steel. These are the principal traditional styles. Many people preserve the groundbreaking shovel(s). If you're going to keep yours, we recommend purchasing something worth saving, and pair it with a display stand, or case that you, or others will want to display in your home or office.
CeremonialSupplies.com offers customization options on our groundbreaking shovels. These can be personalized with a message, or a commemorative date, and/or a logo on the blade, the stem, and the handle. For the stem, a personalized plate is used. You can see samples on our website. For a twist on tradition, we also offer full color blades in red, white, blue, green, orange, and pink. These color groundbreaking shovels can also be personalized, keeping in mind the aesthetics of color on color. Color groundbreaking shovels are primarily used to enhance logo colors across the event. We also have a selection of mini shovels in color for the little people! Children are often introduced to areas of future interest by hands-on participation, and we certainly include groundbreaking shovels for children in our portfolio.
What's In A Cornerstone?
Hopefully just cement and maybe a time capsule, but ancient rituals included gold, crops, and even sacrifices that would ensure a trouble-free and successful construction. The cornerstone is a block of cement that is incorporated into the stone facade of the structure. It can be of varying sizes and depth - especially if it will have within it a safe-style time capsule holding items relevant to the new building, and the year when the structure was built. It is then inscribed with the name of the architect or architects, the name of the building, and the year it was constructed. An example is The Master Apartments on 310 Riverside Drive in NYC, that began construction on March 24, 1928 as a mix-use rental building that also house the Nicholas Roerich Institute and Museum. The Master, was a public structure dedicated to Roerich; the Russian mystic and painter credited with designing the occult symbols on the US dollar bill through his friendship connection with then Vice President, Henry Wallace. Most cornerstones aren't as notorious as The Master's, but it's stories like the ones behind this cornerstone that give the ceremony of laying of the cornerstone an element of mystery. There are, of course, many variations to cornerstone designs, including sculpting cherubs, or quotes, and symbols. Then there's the Masonic cornerstone laying, which is more elaborate, and considered a grand occasion, and lately, has been in remarkable demand in local communities.
There are two types of Masonic cornerstone laying. One is symbolic, and the other is the real deal, performed by a Grand Master of a Grand Lodge of Masons. Masons cannot lay the cornerstone of a private building; only a public or a Masonic building - and then only by special request from the right authorities. Masonic cornerstone laying involves speeches and dedications about the history of the town, the building, and the person the building is being dedicated to, if there is one. It also includes the participation of local officials like the Mayor, School Superintendent, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, etc. In the case of a national, state or city public structure, the CEOs may be given a place of honor in the procession, and seating arrangements even if they aren't actual participants in the ceremonial rituals.
A symbolic cornerstone laying is performed inside a building, and the cornerstone is placed on a stand as the building is dedicated with speeches by the main people involved, and later the cornerstone in put in place by a regular stone mason. A cornerstone for a building that will be laid by the Grand Master is cut with the name of the building, city or county officers, who the building is dedicated to, and "laid by the M. W. Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of (State), full date, A.L. 6000, Grand Master's Name, Grand Master", or, it can just have the Masonic compass and square emblem. Most modern day cornerstones have a cavity cut in the building, on the under side of the cornerstone (if it's going to have one) for a sealed metal box or tube that holds memorial materials such as the roster of local and State officials, (rather than Grand Lodge information) and includes newspaper articles written about the building, names and titles of the guests and prominent attendees who participated in the ceremony, photos, and even videos can be included in this time capsule for future generations.
CeremonialSupplies.com is your best, one-stop shop on the web for high quality ceremonial groundbreaking shovels, personalized hard hats, shovel displays, grand opening ribbon and giant ceremonial scissors, as well as step and repeat banners, carpet aisle runners, stanchions and rope, and all the groundbreaking and grand opening supplies you need for an event in which excellence is the goal. Shop with us for the best products at budget friendly prices, attentive customer service, and flawless and efficient shipping wherever you are.