World Festivals
Terrific Tuesday to everyone!
Today was a busy morning here at Petals. As soon as we arrived, some friends had their picture taken for the yearbook. We unpacked our bags and painted some old newspapers while waiting for Petals' turn to take the class photo.
R: Where is Selina? (Selina went to the office to have her picture taken)
W: Do this? (old newspaper painting)
S: I want to do this.
R: Why is Meimei up there? (Asking the teacher why did Meimei went to the office)
After our class photo, we sat down as Evita revisited our past lessons. She then showed us videos of celebrations and festivals around the world. We saw clips of;
Japan’s Mikoshi Festival - an event where people carry beautiful portable shrines through the streets to bring blessings.
Mexico’s Day of the Dead Parade - a celebration honoring loved ones who passed away.
The Philippines Giant Lantern Festival - a Christmas festival where communities compete to create the most beautiful lanterns.
China’s New Year Lion Dance - a dance performed to bring good luck during the New Year.
Korea’s “ Ulsi-gu Jeolsi-gu”- a Korean harvest festival.
America’ Fourth of July Parade - a celebration of the USA's independence day.
India’s Holi Festival: a spring festival where people throw colorful powders to celebrate love and unity.
Ukraine’s Traditional Folk Dance - Hopak is traditional Ukrainian folk dance that shows the country’s heritage.
Israel’s Festival of Lights - a festival where families light the menorah for 8 nights, play with the dreidel and eat special food.
Evita: What are the countries that we have learned so far?
M: China
D: Philippines
J: China
D: Japan
J: Korea
W: China
E: Mexico
D: Ukraine
M: My daddy is from China. My mommy, brother and me are from Japan.
Japan (Mikoshi)
R: Jinja
Petals: Mikoshi
M: Korea (when asked which country they think Mikoshi festival is from)
Petals: Japan
Mexico
M: it’s not scary
E: Yes it’s not scary
R: a little scary
Philippines
W: Mommy (will) make like that (lanterns)
China
M: Yellow (lion)
R: red
W: funny (dancing lions)
J: What are you doing? (lions)
S: Everybody happy birthday
M: I eat oni
W: I eat oni
M I told mommy its so yummy
M: firefall!
R: fireworks
Korea
Evita: What do you think they are doing?
D: Sleeping. No dancing
D: Yeah! (when asked if Evita pronounced the name of the festival correctly)
R: I like this
USA
R: America! American flag! Look eagle
Ukraine
D: Ukraine
R: Maryna
Petals: Hopak
India
R: rainbow (when asked what colored powder did they use)
Israel
J: you can spin (dreidel)
R: Why we can’t eat? (donuts and latke)
Evita: Which one is your favorite festival?
R: Philippines
P: Philippines
J: Hanukkah
J: Hanukkah
M: I like China
M: I like too (China)
W: I like too
S: I have 2 (favorite)
D: Korean
We were amazed at how different parts of the world celebrate important events and holidays!
Love,
Petals