The Culture Bridge

Spring 2008 Newsletter

2008-04-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring!

A couple weeks we attended the Gathering of Nations, the largest Pow Wow in North America. The event held every year in Albuquerque, NM, is open to all. Thousands of Native Americans across the U.S. and Canada attended to dance, sing, drum, connect and share their beautiful culture and traditions. Look forward to our Southwest Native American Kit that will be available this Fall!

Keeping Ethnic Arts & Facts an Environmentally Conscious Company

Our mission has always been to share the cultures and traditions of the world. As global citizens, we recognize the interdependence of all people and our collective responsibility to maintain the environment in which we all share. Actions we are taking to accomplish this include:
- Using environmentally-friendly artifacts when possible
- Converting paper-based teaching guides to an electronic format
- Using recycled packing materials

Green Resources
Go Green Initiative
A simple, comprehensive program designed to create a culture of environmental responsibility on school campuses across the nation

Alliance's Green Schools Program
The Alliance's Green Schools Program engages students in creating energy-saving activities in their schools

TreeHugger
A one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information

News Bits

Burma: On Saturday, May 3 a devastating cyclone hit Burma killing tens of thousands of people. This is the largest natural disaster to hit the region since the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
How are cyclones formed?

Philippines: The rise in rice prices hits the poorest of the poor in the Philippines hard who can barely afford the costs. Rice is not only the main source of diet to many, but also has cultural significance. High prices have been blamed by increased global wheat prices, rising transportation and fertilizer costs, and hoarding by wholesalers.
How is rice grown?

Streaming Videos of Burkina Faso, Niger, Ghana, and Cape Verde
This site from the University of Iowa contains a collection of short streaming video that you can use in the classroom to show real-life in African countries. Videos include mask making, ceremonial dances, harvesting grain, spinning cotton, building a house, and much more.

Geography Games
World geography quizzes - over 250 online map games teach capitals, country locations, and more. Also info on the culture and history of the countries.

Winter 2008

2008-01-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

We are excited to introduce our first issue of the Ethnic Arts & Facts newsletter! Our goal is to share information and resources that can be used in the classroom. To that end, every quarter we will release a new newsletter with ethnic facts, a lesson idea, and news bits from around the world. Thank you for your interest and support of world cultures and traditions!
******************************************************************************************

Featured Facts and Resources

Crisis in Kenya
The recent Kenya elections has sparked protests and violence. It is widely believed that ethnic tension between the Kikuyu and Luo groups underlie most of the violence. Supporters of candidate Raila Odinga (Luo) claims that last month's election was rigged in favor of President Mwai Kibaki (Kikuyu). Reports state that there have been some 600 deaths nationwide and 250,000 people have fled their homes.

Visit these selected sites for more news information:
BBC
NPR
New York Times

What Can You Do To Help?

Visit Expanding Opportunities and donate money today to help refugees.
Expanding Opportunities is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding educational and societal opportunities for people nationally and internationally. Their projects in Kenya include helping orphans and refugees.

Help the International Medical Corp's Kenya team to bring timely medical services to people displaced by the violence. The International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.
******************************************************************************************

Educational Website Picks

Learn how to use the Chinese Abacus
This site will teach visitors how to use the Chinese Abacus, an Ancient Chinese counting tool. Be sure to check out the Virtual Abacus! Visit our website to purchase a China Kit that includes artifacts from China, or to purchase an Abacus.

Mexico for Kids
This site produced by the Presidency of the Republic of Mexico can be read in English, Spanish, Italian and French! Designed for elementary students, this site takes visitors on an educational and fun journey learning about the history, people, government and biodiversity of Mexico.

The Minority Rights Group International, an organization that works to secure the rights of ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and indigenous peoples worldwide, released the publication, State of the World's Minorities 2007.

Top 5 minorities under threat:
1. Somalia: Darood, Hawiye, Issaq and other clans; Bantu and other groups
2. Iraq: Shia, Sunnis, Kurds, Turkomans, Christians; smaller minorities
3. Sudan: Fur, Zaghawa, Massalit and others in Darfur; Dinka, Nuer and others in the South; Nuba, Beja
4. Afghanistan: Hazara, Pashtun, Tajiks, Uzbeks
5. Burma/Myanmar: Kachin, Karenni, Karen, Mons, Rohingyas, Shan, Chin (Zomis), Wa

(State of the World's Minorities 2007, pg. 11- go to http://minorityrights.org/ for a complete listing)
******************************************************************************************

What's New?

World Music Kit
Bring a world of music into your classroom! This kit contains 10 instruments from around the globe that may be played and used as a tool to teach students the role of music in cultures.

New Website Design!

Have you surfed to our website lately? We have a brand new look! You can easily purchase kits, books, and CDs directly from our website. Be sure to check out the Library section for resource links!!!

******************************************************************************************

Classroom Activity Idea: Create a Retablo

Background-As a folk art, Peruvians use hallowed gourds or boxes made of wood or cardboard and create daily life or religious scenes using clay and paint. Retablos were created centuries ago when the Spanish arrived in South America. Originally, biblical scenes were displayed in the retablos and were used for worship or as a religious token. Missionaries would use the retablos in their efforts to teach the indigenous people about Christianity. Over time, it has become a distinctive Peruvian
art form.

Materials:
-shoe box
-paintable modeling clay (choose a clay that can harden without using a kiln)*
-paint
glue or putty

Directions:

1. Discuss the background information about the retablo. If available, show students actual retablos.

2. Ask students to think about an idea for their own retablo. It could be a memorable event such as a holiday or birthday, a favorite place visited, or an activity like playing soccer. Have students draw their idea on paper. Remind students that the drawing will serve as a model for their retablo, so the images should be simple.

3. Using the modeling clay, form the objects to be placed in the retablo. Allow at least 24 hours for the clay to dry. Once dried, paint the figures.

4. Paint and decorate the outside and inside of the shoe box. Allow the box to dry thoroughly.

5. Build the retablo working from the back to the front. Larger objects should be placed with glue or putty in the back and smaller objects should be placed closest to the front of the box opening.

6. Ask students to present their retablo with the class.

*Instead of modeling clay, students could use miniature objects that are already made. These may be purchased in craft stores.

To purchase retablos or see other cultural lesson plans and resources, visit our website.
******************************************************************************************

Thank you for your interest and support!

--Leilani and Aaron, Ethnic Arts & Facts

Mexico For Kids

2008-01-20T12:55:00.000-08:00

Mexico for Kids

This site produced by the Presidency of the Republic of Mexico can be read in English, Spanish, Italian and French! Designed for elementary students, this site takes visitors on an educational and fun journey learning about the history, people, government and biodiversity of Mexico.

Afghanistan Independence Day-August 19

2007-08-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

August 19 marks Afghanistan Independence Day commemorating the Treaty of Rawalpindi in 1919 which granted independence from Britain. The day was celebrated until 1992, when mujahedeen backed by the United States overthrew the former communist regime backed by the Soviet Union. Civil wars and unrest prevented the celebrations. The Taliban, who captured Kabul in 1996, reinstated the holiday.

Related Links:

Afghans celebrate Independence Day

Afghanistan Celebrates Independence Day With Military Parade

Afghan Independence Day - this link includes a video clip

Easter Celebrated in Guatemala

2007-04-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

Christianity brought by the Missionaries and Conquistadors of Spain has merged with traditional Mayan beliefs and can be witnessed in religious ceremonies throughout the year.

Learn how Guatemalans celebrate Easter:

http://www.mayadiscovery.com/ing/life/default.htm
http://www.artemaya.com/contmax.html
http://acweb.colum.edu/fipse_projects/eig/procession.html

Christmas Around the World

2006-12-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

Did you know....

Check this article out from Wikipedia to learn how Christmas is celebrated in other parts of the world:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_around_the_world

Some facts from this article include:

In Japan, Christmas Eve is a time for lovers to exchange gifts, have a special date and stroll under Christmas lights erected by companies and governments to enhance the romantic feel of the day.

In Pakistan, December 25th is a public holiday that coincides with the birth anniversary of Jinnah - the founder of the nation.

The Philippines has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season. Although it presently starts from early September, traditionally, Christmas Day in the Philippines is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on Dec. 16. Known as the Misas de Aguinaldo (Gift Masses) or Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) in the traditional Spanish, these masses are more popularly known in Filipino as the Simbang Gabi.

Georgians celebrate Christmas on January 7 (Julian calendar). Traditional in Georgia is to go on Alilo, a mass walking in streets, dressed in special forms to celebrate and congratulate each other the holiday.

Joulupukki is the Finnish name for Santa Claus. The name Joulupukki literally means Yule Goat or Christmas Goat. This name is likely to come from an old Finnish tradition, where people dressed in goat hides called nuuttipukkis used to circulate in homes after Christmas eating leftover food.

Nigerians decorate homes (compounds) and churches with both woven and unwoven palm fronds, Christmas trees and Christmas lights

Onam - Indian Harvest Celebration

2006-09-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

Onam is the the most important festival of the state of Kerala in India. It is a harvest festival celebrated late August-early September that commemorates King Mahabali. Learn more about this celebration by going to the following links:

Onam Festival
Onam- Wikipedia
INdian Life Onam

Kuwait’s National Day and Liberation Day- Feb. 25 & 26

2006-02-26T18:57:00.000-08:00

The National Day on February 25 and the Liberation Day on February 26 are the two most significant days in Kuwait. Kuwaitis commemorate these days with festiviites and somber reflection as they celebrate Kuwait becoming a nation in 1961 and the reminder of 605 Kuwaiti citizens still missing from the Iraqi invasion and occupation.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

2006-01-30T08:40:00.000-08:00

January 29, 2006 marks the first day of the Chinese New Year in 2006 based on the lunar calendar. 2006 is the "Year of the Dog."

Go here to learn more about the Chinese calendar system.

Go here to learn about the traditions associated with Chinese New Year.

Learn more about the Chinese zodiac.

Holiday Celebrations

2005-12-31T13:23:00.000-08:00

How do you celebrate the New Year? We've gathered some information from friends, family and research on the web and listed them below. Do you have more to add? Please feel free to submit a comment and images if you have any!

Cambodia
Chaul Chnam Thmey
In Cambodia, New Year’s is celebrated in April. The New Year is called Chaul Chnam Thmey which literally means entering the New Year. In preparation for the New Year, houses are cleaned and decorated. An altar decorated with food, flowers, incense and a Buddha statue is set up to welcome the New Year Spirit Tevada Chhnam Thmey.

China
Yuan Tan
The Chinese follow the lunar calendar therefore New Year’s Day occurs sometime in January or February. In preparation for the New Year, houses are cleaned and decorated to appease Tsao-Chun the Kitchen God believed to visit their homes on New Year’s Day. Families gather for dinner and children are given lai-see, red envelopes with money. Ancestors are honored by leaving food by pictures or altars in the home.

Ethiopia
Enkutatash
In Ethiopia, Enkutash is celebrated on September 11 following the Orthodox Julian calendar. Enkutatash means the "gift of jewels."

Greece
Festival of Saint Basil
New Year’s Day is also the Festival of Saint Basil who was famous for his kindness. Greek children leave their shoes by the fire on New Year's Day with the hope that he will come and fill the shoes with gifts.

India
Diwali
Diwali is a centuries old (India) Hindu tradition and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year ocurring during the Hindu month of Aippasi (October/November). The fesitval of Diwali lasts 5 days and celebrates the victory of good over evil.

Iran
No Ruz
In Iran, the New Year is celebrated on March 21. No Ruz literally means New Day. During the 13 day New Year period, families visit one another and gifts are exchanged.

Israel
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah, literally meaning head of the year is the Jewish New Year occurring during Tishri, the seventh month of the Jewish calendar. It also marks the beginning of a ten day Holy period ending with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, a time for reflection and prayer.

Mexico
Ano Nuevo
Many Mexicans eat 12 grapes and make 12 wishes (one for each gong on the clock at midnight.)

Japan
Oshogatsu
On January 31, New Year’s eve, soba (buckwheat noodles) is cooked and eaten symbolizing longevity. Traditionally, it is believed that first day of the New Year determines the course of the rest of the year. Therefore, the day is supposed to be full of happiness and free of anger and stress. Children receive otoshidamas which are small gifts with money inside.

Philippines
Araw ng Bagong Taon
For New Year's, it is customary to make sure the house is cleaned, all dirty laundry washed, and windows are left open to welcome the New Year spirits in the home. Families gather together and eat traditional foods.

Vietnam
Tet Nguyen Dan
Tet Nguyen Dan literally means the first morning of the first day of the new period. The Vietnamese people follow the lunar calendar so the New Year, “Tet” does not fall on the same date each year, although it is always in January or February. It is believed that the first days of the New Year determine the course of the rest of the year. As such, people refrain from arguments, children behave, and families make special efforts to gather together.

Please note that all reference to dates is based on the Gregorian Calendar which is the calendar system used in the United States. Many countries follow other calendars, therefore their New Year’s Day fall on a different date than in the United States.

Lesson Idea for Teachers:
Have students share how their family celebrates New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. What preparations are done? What rituals, if any, occur? What food is prepared?

The Virgin of Guadalupe

2005-12-12T13:07:00.000-08:00

As a result of the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in Mexico in the 1500s widespread conquest, colonization, and religious conversion occurred. In fact, converting the Indians of the "New World" to Christianity was a main task of the conquistadors.

December 12 is celebrated in Mexico as a day to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe who is believed to have first appeared before Juan Diego, an Aztec convert, on December 9, 1531 and again on December 12 on Tepeyac Hill. Tepayac Hill was formerly the site of the temple of Tonantzin who is believed to be a manifestation of the Aztec Earth Mother, known as Coatlicue, the mother of all living things. The temple, like many Aztec structures in Mexico, was destroyed by the Spanish. The appearance of the Virgin of Gualdalupe on this very spot is significant because it it was believed that she spoke to Juan Diego. She asked Diego to tell the Bishop of Mexico City to build a temple on Teyepac Hill. Juan Diego spoke to the Spanish bishop, Juan de Zumárraga, who did not believe him and asked him for a miraculous sign. Diego told the Virgin of Guadalupe who then instructed him to gather flowers from a hill even though it was Winter and present them to the Bishop. Diego came back to the Bishop and when the flowers fell from his tilma (a kind of apron), an icon of the Virign was imprinted on the cloth.

Today, Mexicans honor the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12 with processions, prayers, song, and festivities.

More Information:
Mexican traditions: Virgin of Guadalupe
The Virgin of Guadalupe

A Different Look at the Thanksgiving Holiday

2005-11-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a holiday my family has celebrated since immigrating to the United States like many other holidays and as other immigrants do. While we have the traditional turkey (although I don't eat it since I am a vegetarian), the menu of the day includes pansit (noodles), lumpia (egg rolls), adobo (chicken with soy sauce and vinegar), bagus (milk fish) and much much more. Cranberry sauce and pumkin pie make a presence, but rarely consumed.

Like many immigrants who come to the United States, typical American holidays such as Thanksgiving are hard to miss. Weeks before the holiday supermarkets stock up on hams and turkeys, gift shops put out Pilgrim greeting cards and Thanksgiving decorations, and you start to hear conversations about how you are cooking your turkey this year.

But why is Thanksgiving celebrated? What is the history behind the event? If you ask most, they may say "It's a time to give thanks, just like the when the pilgrims and Native Americans sat together and enjoyed an autumn harvest feast." I invite you to read about Thanksgiving from a different perspective.

Check out this paper, "Teaching About Thanksgiving" - this is a collective work by educators from Indian Education, Highline School District.

wwww.halcyon.com/pub/FWDP/Americas/tchthnks.txt

Diwali - November 1, 2005

2005-11-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

Diwali is a centuries old (India) Hindu tradition and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year ocurring during the Hindu month of Aippasi (October/November). The fesitval of Diwali lasts 5 days and celebrates the victory of good over evil.

For more information, check out these sites:

Diwali, Lighting The Lamps

Diwali or (Deepvali)

The Story of Diwali

Fairs and Festivals of India:Diwali

Dia De Los Muertos

2005-10-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

While the name of this event connotes a somber occasion, El Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, is in fact a time for celebration and festivities in honor and remembrance of the dead and the continuity of life. The official holiday falls on November 2nd which also corresponds with the Catholic All Saints Day and All Souls Day. In Mexico, Day of the Dead is considered by many as the most important holiday. This tradition is also shared in other Latin American countries including Ecuador and Guatemala and among Latino communities in the United States as well.

Day of the Dead has origins dating back to pre-Hispanic times among the indigenous people of Mesoamerica. During the months of August and September, the Aztecs performed rituals and engaged in festivities celebrating death and rebirth. When the Spanish arrived during the 16th century they brought not only their people, but the mission to convert the indigenous population to their religion and way of life. Native populations were forced to assimilate thereby loosing many of their traditional customs as they were once celebrated prior to the Spanish conquest. The Day of the Dead is a result of a mix of native beliefs with Catholic influences.

Today, El Dia de los Muertos is celebrated October 31st through Novemebr 2nd. In the homes, altars are created to honor ancestors. The altars hold ofrendas (offerings) such as sweets and the favorite foods and beverages of the deceased. The altars are also decorated with marigolds, candles, and mementos. Families attend Mass and visit cemeteries of their loved ones where they decorate the gravesites and even picnic there. Spending time at the cemetery is symbolic for families as means of celebrating with family members living and those who have past on.

Here are related web links:
Dia De Los Muertos
Day of the Dead
Mexico's Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead in Mexico

A Tempest from Across The Sea

2005-10-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

This article was written by co-owner Aaron Kochi Pedroni and was published in the Nichi Bei Times on October 18, 2005.

Ramadan

2005-10-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

Today marks the beginning of Ramadan, a month long fasting period for Muslims. During this time, Muslims fast during daylight hours and in the evening eat small meals. Ramadan is an important time for Muslims. It is a time for reflection, devotion and worship to God, and charity.

More Information:

BBC-Religion & Ethics - Ramadan
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/features/ramadan/index.shtml

Ramadan on the Net
http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/

Ramadan
http://www.ramadan.co.uk/

Rosh Hashanah

2005-10-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Today, beginning at sundown begins Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is observed the first and second day of the seventh month of the Jewish calender, Tishri. Families gather together and celebrate the New Year yet it also a serious day because it is a day of judgement according to Judaism.

Find out more:

Judaism 101

Rosh Hashanah-The Jewish New Year

Mexican Independence Day (9/16/05)

2005-09-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

September 16 is celebrated as Mexican Independence Day. When the Spanish arrived in what is now known as Mexico druing the 16th century they took land and rights away from indigenous peoples. Indigenous people were forced into labor and Spanish way of life. Many injustices were put upon the native population and some even exist today. On September 16, 1810, Father Hidalgo, a revolutionary leader, organized the indigenous people and mestizos (people of mixed Spanish and native blood) to rise up and fight against the Spanish. The fight continued for 11 years and Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

Some links for further information:
http://www.mexonline.com/grito.htm
http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/Byrnes-celebrations/mid.html
http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/mexicanrev.htm#hidalgo

Ara-Yachi

2005-09-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

Picture taken at a craftsman studio in Okinawa, Japan by Aaron Pedroni. Traditional Okinawan pottery, ara-yachi, is unglazed or coated with ash or manganeze glaze. Check out the website below to learn more about this technique:

Okinawan Pottery
This site includes video clips in Japanese, with English subtitles and images that show the Ara-yachi and Jo-yachi technique.

Philippines

2005-07-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken in the Philippines in 2003. This is actually my cousin preparing a freshly killed chicken for dinner - a special treat because my mom and I were visiting from the United States. My cousin lives on the same farm my mother grew up in with her family and other relatives in the Pangasinan province in the Luzon region of the Philippines. Life is hard for many of my relatives - many live in poverty. In fact, about one third of the Philippine population live under the poverty line. My husband and I hope that through Ethnic Arts & Facts we can better help my family as well as other families around the world by providing a market for their hand-made crafts and art.