CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD DISCOVERY TOUR

Discover ReflectTraditional Swedish ornaments are woven from straw. Do these straw ornaments look like anything familiar?

Have you ever made an ornament for a friend or family member? What materials did you use?

These German nutcrackers aren’t for cracking nuts—they are given as keepsakes and symbolize good luck. Do all the nutcrackers at this tree look the same?

Imagine you wanted to give a friend a gift to wish them luck. What would you give them?

During the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, a candle is lit every day for eight days. Look closely. Have any of the candles on this menorah been lit yet?

Does your family use candles during the holidays? What does a lit candle make you think of?

In Korea, traditional dress, called hanbok, is worn during celebrations, like the Korean New Year. How is this dress the same or different than the clothes that you are wearing?

Do you wear anything special to celebrate events or holidays? How can clothing have meaning?

Belize is home to the second largest coral reef in the world, so many people decorate their Christmas trees with things from the ocean! What animals can you spot on this tree?

What animal or object would you choose to represent where you live?

In Denmark, many families make ornaments together out of cut and folded paper. How many different hearts can you find?

Do you and your family make anything together during the holidays? What do you like best about making things together?

As you explore the exhibition, discover objects used in holiday traditions around the world and reflect on how your own family celebrates.

CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD DISCOVERY TOUR

Discover ReflectTin folk art, called hojalata, decorates homes during holidays in Mexico. Look for the tin ornaments on this tree. How do you think they were made?

Do you decorate your home for holidays or special occasions? What kind of decorations do you use or make?

During Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims gather with their friends and families to share meals and give thanks. How do you think the objects in this display are used?

How does your family show that they are thankful?

During festivals in Ghana, people wear handmade cloth that not only looks beautiful, but also tells the story of their history and beliefs. What shapes and colors do you see in this fabric?

Do you own any clothing that has a special meaning to you? How can what you wear tell a story?

These kadomatsu are used to decorate entrances to homes and businesses in Japan to bring good fortune in the New Year. Can you name the plants used in this display?

What kind of decorations do you place outside your home during the holidays or other times of the year?

The colorful designs used to decorate homes during the Hindu festival of Diwali are often passed down between generations. What shapes or symbols can you see in the India display?

Can you think of anything in your family that has been passed down from your parents or grandparents?

These star-shaped lanterns are symbols of Christmas in the Philippines and are traditionally made from bamboo and paper. What do you think these stars are made from?

Are stars used in your family’s holiday traditions? How might you go about constructing a star like this?

In Poland, traditional nativity scenes, called szopka, are modeled after famous buildings in the city of Kraków. How many towers can you count?

If you were to create a model of your home or city, what might it look like? What would you use to make it?