Holiday traditions from around the world
Pictured above: DCSM teacher Paul Barenberg’s lower elementary class enjoyed a personal visit from student parent Marco Di Domenico (middle back), who presented traditions from his home country of Italy. Marco shared with students the story of La Befana, the Christmas witch, who delivers goodies to children on January 5, Epiphany Eve.
Before the winter break, DCS Montessori (DCSM) lower elementary students learned about international holiday traditions. Some of the parents helped in the fun by adding their experiences from their home countries, respectively: South Korea, Brazil, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Italy and Ukraine.
The students embraced the Swedish culture, celebrating St. Lucia on December 13. The festival of lights marks the beginning of the Christmas season and is meant to bring hope and light during the darkest time of the year. The classroom made crowns representing the procession of candlelight, in which young girls wear candlelit wreaths on their heads in honor of St. Lucia who was a Christian martyr.
La Befana, the Christmas witch, presented herself when the students learned about Italian folklore. The legend is about an old woman who delivers presents to children in their shoes or socks so the good ones wake up to sweet surprises on January 6. Befana leaves coal or sticks to the naughty ones. The date marks the Christian holiday of Epiphany when three kings brought presents to baby Jesus.
DCSM students welcomed the cultures from different countries as they “traveled” around the world.
Pictured right: DCSM students Connor Metzer (left)and Mazzy Dahl (right) wear their handmade wreaths decorated with candles during the classroom celebration of St. Lucia, a Swedish tradition beginning on December 13 to mark the beginning of the Christmas season.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori
