Groundbreaking
Encyclopedia
Groundbreaking, also known as cutting, sod-cutting, turning the first sod or a sod-turning ceremony, is a traditional ceremony
in many cultures that celebrates the first day of construction
for a building
or other project. Such ceremonies are often attended by dignitaries such as politician
s and business
men. The actual shovel
or spade used during the actual groundbreaking is often a special ceremonial shovel meant to be saved for subsequent display. Commemorative information may be subsequently engraved on the shovel.
Ceremonial groundbreakings often precede the actual start of construction by many months.
In some places, clergy
may also provide blessing
s, particularly if the building is being constructed by a church or religious-affiliated organization.
Ceremony
A ceremony is an event of ritual significance, performed on a special occasion. The word may be of Etruscan origin.-Ceremonial occasions:A ceremony may mark a rite of passage in a human life, marking the significance of, for example:* birth...
in many cultures that celebrates the first day of construction
Construction
In the fields of architecture and civil engineering, construction is a process that consists of the building or assembling of infrastructure. Far from being a single activity, large scale construction is a feat of human multitasking...
for a building
Building
In architecture, construction, engineering, real estate development and technology the word building may refer to one of the following:...
or other project. Such ceremonies are often attended by dignitaries such as politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
s and business
Business
A business is an organization engaged in the trade of goods, services, or both to consumers. Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to earn profit to increase the wealth of their owners. Businesses may also be not-for-profit...
men. The actual shovel
Shovel
A shovel is a tool for digging, lifting, and moving bulk materials, such as soil, coal, gravel, snow, sand, or ore. Shovels are extremely common tools that are used extensively in agriculture, construction, and gardening....
or spade used during the actual groundbreaking is often a special ceremonial shovel meant to be saved for subsequent display. Commemorative information may be subsequently engraved on the shovel.
Ceremonial groundbreakings often precede the actual start of construction by many months.
In some places, clergy
Clergy
Clergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. A clergyman, churchman or cleric is a member of the clergy, especially one who is a priest, preacher, pastor, or other religious professional....
may also provide blessing
Blessing
A blessing, is the infusion of something with holiness, spiritual redemption, divine will, or one's hope or approval.- Etymology and Germanic paganism :...
s, particularly if the building is being constructed by a church or religious-affiliated organization.