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 1-17

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Nativity Silhouette - Christmas

The Nativity is one of the most important scenes of the Christian holiday of Christmas.  The figures of Mary, Jacob and baby Jesus celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ whom Christians believe is the promised Messiah and Savior of the World.

Chalk Rangolis – Diwali

Let’s make chalk rangolis 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 the lighting of diya lamps, fireworks, visiting temples, feasting and creating rangolis designs.  These intricate patterns are often made of colored rice, sand or flower petals, and they decorate the entryways of buildings.  The rangolis invite the goddess Lakshmi into the buildings to bless the inhabitants with wealth and success.  

Moon Mosaics – Eid & Ramadan

The crescent of a new moon marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan.  Through the entirety of that lunar cycle, Muslims focus on prayer, good deeds, purification, thoughtfulness and fasting.  When the crescent moon appears again, this signals the end of Ramadan, and the holiday of Eid al-Fitr begins.  

Suncatcher Minora – 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.   Hanukkah festivities include lighting the menorah which is a special candelabra with 9 candles.  Eight candles reference the eight nights of Hanukkah and the other candle is the attendant candle which lights the others.  

Bendera Garland – Kwanzaa

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).  The Bendera is the Kwanzaa Flag!  

Poinsettia Bracelets – Las Posadas

Let’s make poinsettia bracelets to celebrate 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.  Poinsettia flowers are a popular decoration for Las Posadas.  

Paper Lanterns – 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.  Lanterns are a popular decoration for the holiday and a lantern festival is part of the celebration.    

Wheat Cards – Vaisakhi

Join us in making “Happy Vaisakhi!” cards to honor the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi.  Vaisakhi is a   harvest festival.  Festivities include harvesting Gehun or wheat in large groups and singing together.  This is called Aawat pauni.  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.  

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