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!

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ON-GOING ACTIVITIES

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Seasons of Sharing - December 18 - January 5

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Gingerbread Man Ornaments – Christmas

Gingerbread’s signature spiced flavor has its roots back in ancient times, but the idea of making the treat into little people-shaped cookies to celebrate Christmas seems to have started in England under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.  In fact, William Shakespeare – Queen Elizabeth’s famous playwright – included a line in one of his comedy’s that exclaims: “An I had but one penny in the world, thou shouldst have it to buy ginger-bread”

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Toran Flower Garlands – Diwali

Diwali is a celebration of light triumphing over darkness and is one of the most important religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism.  Celebrations include the lighting of diya lamps, fireworks, visiting temples, feasting and decorating the entrances of your home with toran flower garlands.  These beautiful flower decorations attract the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, to the household.  

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Fanous Suncatchers – Eid & Ramadan

Join us in making Fanous Lantern Suncatchers to decorate your windows and celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.  The Fanous lanterns originated in Egypt and have spread in popularity throughout the Muslim world.  The Fanous are a symbol of hope and celebration during Ramadan.  They come in all shapes, colors and sizes and they light up the evening festivities when Muslims break their fast with Iftar.

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Star of David Mobiles – Hanukkah

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.   The Star of David is an integral part of Jewish tradition.  The two triangles represent the connection of G-d, Torah and Israel.  

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Seven Principles Hat – Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a communal holiday that celebrates African and African American culture.  During Kwanzaa, people honor the seven principles discussed on these headbands, as well as the colors of the Pan-African flag: red (that represents the struggle), black (that represents the people), and green (that represents the future).  

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Paper Bag Luminarias – Las Posadas

Let’s make luminarias 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.  Symbolic processions that mimic this journey, travel through neighborhoods and people visit homes, sing and ask for shelter.  Luminarias light up the community for these processions.  

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Chinese Zodiac Wheel – Lunar New Year

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.  The origins of the Chinese Zodiac and the 12 animals are thought to go back more than 2,000 years!

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Nishan Sahib – Vaisakhi

Join us in making Nishan Sahibs to honor the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi.  Nishan Sahib are holy flags that are the beacon of Sikh identity.  These flags display the Khanda symbol, the emblem of Sikhism, and fly at every Gurdwara, the Sikh place or worship.  The flags are orange as this color is associated with courage, sacrifice and wisdom.