Take a stroll down Houston’s most multicultural block and celebrate with us!
Embark on a colorful journey through Houston's diverse culture at Seasons of Sharing! Delve into eight different celebrations including Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Vaisakhi. Join local families as they share their festive traditions through games, songs, and crafts. Explore the beauty of our shared experiences and differences, celebrating the strength of Houston!
Step into Seasons of Sharing, a dynamic celebration of global cultures tailored for cultural literacy. Immerse yourself in hands-on activities, curated displays of cultural artifacts, and enlightening workshops throughout the winter. This exhibit is a compelling journey, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Houston's robust diversity. Explore the most diverse block in Houston!
ON-GOING ACTIVITIES
Wintergreen Wreaths: The tradition of bringing evergreen trees and branches into the home for Christmas began around the 16th century in Northern and Eastern Europe. The excess branches from shaping the Christmas tree were woven into a circle and used as decoration on windows, doors and tables. The practice of weaving branches into wreaths has its origins even further back in history with the Greek and Roman tradition of honoring athletes and leaders of state laurel wreaths to wear on their heads.
Paper Kandil Lanterns: Let’s make Kandil lanterns to celebrate the holiday of Diwali! This is a celebration of light triumphing over darkness and is one of the most important religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. Celebrations include lighting fireworks, visiting temples, feasting, creating rangolis designs, and lighting lamps and lanterns. Hindus believe the glow from these lights welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into the household.
Eid Mubarak Cards: Join us in making “Eid Mubarak” Mosque cards to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Over this holiday, Muslims focus on prayer, good deeds, purification, thoughtfulness and fasting. Eid is the celebration at the end of this holy time where families and communities come together to eat and give gifts. Mosques are sacred places of prayer for Muslims.
Dreidel Banner: Hanukkah is a holiday that celebrates the sharing of light and the strength of the Jewish faith. It commemorates the event where after a Jewish battlefield victory, the single night supply of oil, miraculously illuminated the Temple in Jerusalem for eight nights. Hanukkah festivities include lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, gift giving and eating special foods cooked with oil (such as potato pancakes and doughnuts).
Mkeka Mat: Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates African and African American culture. During Kwanzaa, people honor the colors of the Pan-African flag: red (that represents the struggle), black (that represents the people), and green (that represents the future). A mkeka mat is traditionally woven out of straw or textiles and it is one of the symbols of Kwanzaa.
Paper Bag Pinata: Let’s make piñatas to celebrate the Christian holiday of Las Posadas! This holiday is primarily observed by people from the Hispanic and Catholic community and commemorates the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. Festivities include singing, feasting and community fellowship. Children play an important role in Las Posadas, often leading the communal processions and playing with piñatas that are traditionally in the shape of a star.
Lion Dance Puppet: Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is a 16-day festival that celebrates the beginning of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar. This festival celebrates the first new moon of the year, and the dates shift from year to year. Lion Dances are an important part of Lunar New Year celebrations as they are believed to bring good fortune.
Khanda Mosaics: Join us in making Khanda mosaics to honor the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi is one of Sikhism’s most important festivals when everyone comes together to commemorate the growth of the Sikh community with Gurdwara services and parades. These colorful mosaics represent the vibrant colors of the festival as well as highlight the Khanda, the principal symbol of Sikhism.
“So many multiple areas of active play and interaction for everyday fun!”
Language, art, music,and games all contribute to cultural identity. Learn more about how each ofthese plays an important role in each celebration.
Eight Houston Families have shared their customs with us to demonstrate the rich tapestry of Houston culture.
Make a craft for every holiday at our eight craft tables next to each house.
Lilly Endowment Inc.
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