Below are some reflections from Chinatown community members on the significance of 和.

The word 和 is a reminder of the need to interact with many different people and views in today’s world. The term also acknowledges the First People to occupy the land on which the park is situated, by recognizing their willingness to harmonize with their environment. And for Chinese people in Calgary, the name 和園 Harmony Park is opposite to the racism that is part of the history of the park and that the renaming addresses.  ~ Lloyd 史羅一 and 黃恕寧 Shu-ning Sciban

The Chinese word 和 expresses the concept of peace, togetherness or the absence of conflict. For social interactions in a peaceful and orderly society, the concept of 和 is very much one of the key elements.

Philosophers throughout the centuries have identified mutual respect, tolerance and the right to be different as the fundamental principles that guide a civilized society. Without any one of these three principles, a civilized society, especially a liberal democracy, cannot be sustained, as it will lead to conflicts and hostilities among the individuals.

Chinese culture embraces these three fundamental principles. It attains mutual respect through rituals and customs, it encourages tolerance through generosity of spirit and understanding, and it fosters the right to be different through recognition and acceptance of the fact that everyone is different. But more importantly, the common thread that runs through all three is the concept and presence of 和. ~Malcolm Chow

Bestowal of a name to celebrate the birth of a child, or in this case, the rebirth of a park with a Chinese name is a precious process. It involves exploring many different tonal qualities and nuances for the best sounding, visually appealing, as well as meaningful combination of characters. The goal was to find a blend to express the intention of “unity, together in harmony,” combining these ideas:

A: 公平 As a noun, this means equality and fairness, equity. As an adjective: fair, equitable, just

B: 和平 Noun: peace, harmony, calm. Adjective: peaceful, amicable

C: 融和 or 共融 harmony, unity (blending as in inclusiveness)

D:  和 Adverb: together. Adjective: harmonious

Combining the nuances from A+B+C+D and derived from the above words, 和園 was chosen as the short form, with long form as 平和公園. Harmony Park in both instances.  ~ 馬鳳齡 Fung Ling Feimo