Children in 'birthplace' of Mary Poppins mark coming-of-age ritual
Each equinox, children in the town considered the birthplace of Mary Poppins take part in a coming-of-age ceremony by rotating a statue of the beloved literary figure.
Each spring, children in NSW Southern Highlands commemorate an aging ritual that honors the town's ties to Mary Poppins, a beloved literary character. Born in Australia, PL Travers, known as Helen Lyndon Goff, spent her childhood in Bowral, which later inspired the creation of Mary Poppins. A 5-meter bronze statue of the nanny stands at Glebe Park, erected in 2012.
On the spring equinox, year 6 students at the town's primary school turn the statue 180 degrees, symbolizing their transition from primary to high school. Allana Winn, president of the Southern Highlands Youth Art Council, led the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of change and embracing new phases in life. Paul McShane, who initiated the concept of the 'birthplace statue,' continues to be involved in the spring equinox ceremonies.
He explained how the park, opened in 1908, was one of Travers' first experiences with a park and is a central motif in the Mary Poppins stories. The statue, designed by Australian sculptor Tanya Bartlett, was installed in 2016, replacing an earlier version that had mysteriously moved around the park overnight.
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