December 10
Holiday Crafts
Many cultures share some similarities in their holiday crafts, but each culture put their own, unique stamp in their traditional craft. These crafts make for a festive holiday!
Holiday Open House
Ebru-Ancient Art of Paper Marbling
Ebru is an aqueous ancient art particularly popular in Turkey. Ebru works of art are created by directly painting on the surface of water and transferring the designs and the patterns from water surface onto sheets of paper, fabric, and other canvases. Watch the short video tutorial by Ebru artist, Asuman Sayıbaş Özbay from Turkey.
How to Make a Parol
Parols are traditional ornamental lantern hung outside during the Christmas season. It symbolizes the star that led the three kings to the birth of Jesus. Parols are traditionally constructed using bamboo and Japanese paper, and are illuminated with candles, oil lamps, or carbide lamps.
Lace Making Demonstration
Sandy Falk and Amy Gibbons demonstrate lace making and share ornaments and tools from different lace making cultures.
Middle Eastern Cross Stitching
A Palestinian woman sews cross stitch designs. Middle Eastern embroidery includes cross stitching of clothing and other textiles, and is thought to have originated with Islamic culture since it is prominent throughout the Islamic world. Notably, it is common to Muslims and Christians even in the present day Middle East with decorative embroidery adorning walls. Often times, wedding dresses of Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan were embroidered using bold red thread to make amulets and flowers. This was before the more Westernized version of white wedding dresses were introduced, whicht is common in the present day Middle East. You will notice embroidery hanging on the wall in the Syria-Lebanon Room virtual video of the man playing the shebabeh.
Polish Folk Art Paper Cutting-Wycinanki
The Ethnographic Studio Association presents a traditional Polish paper cutting demonstration.
The 12 Days of Greek Christmas Trivia Game
Every day, beginning on December 7th and ending on December 19, 2020, we will host one game. Viewers can play the game anytime between 7AM-10PM every day. The game consists of 10 multiple choice questions that test your knowledge about the Greek Christmas Period traditions.
At the end of every gameday (10 PM), the players with the top two scores among all participants will win prizes:
- Highest score: A bottle of Σπιτικό ultra-premium authentic extra virgin Greek olive oil (courtesy of Elaiourgiki A.E., Greece) & two cans of "TuVunu" mountain tea/honey-lemon drink
- Second-highest score: A box of 25 assorted Lindt Christmas chocolates
Quo Vadis
Simon and the Bear: A Hannukah Tale read by Quo Vadis
Enjoy a children's story read by Sivan Lurie, Quo Vadis guide.
The French Room presented by Quo Vadis
The French Room's bright and airy decor is described by a Quo Vadis guide who is dressed in a simple French outfit, like a member of the country village one might find in a Christmas santon display.
The Norwegian Room presented by Quo Vadis
The feel of the north pervades the beautifully decorative Norwegian Room, which as the Quo Vadis guide describes, gives a sense of preparedness and also the preparation of foods at the holiday.