By Rochelle Mucha, Founder & Chair, Roswell Arts Fund
Around the globe, people of different countries, cultures, and religions embrace diverse traditions to celebrate holidays in December.
The one constant throughout these celebrations is Art.
Music and song give life to lyrics of faith, hope, and joy. Dance ignites energy and brings people together. Visual art from Pre-K to professional captures images, traditional and expressive.
Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration honoring African-American and Pan-American culture. Singing, drumming, African dance and readings emblematize and encourage commitment to seven principles: Unity, Self-Definition, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.
Kwanzaa, celebrate Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa, seven days long
Kwanzaa, light the kinara
Kwanzaa, sing along
Seven candles
Kwanzaa Kwanzaa
Seven principles
Kwanzaa Kwanzaa
Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most important dates in the Mexican calendar. Thousands of people make a pilgrimage to Mexico City. Concheros dancers accompanied by mandolin shaped instruments perform at fiestas all over Mexico, a tradition handed down through many generations.
From heaven on a beautiful morning
Her arrival brought happiness
Peace and harmony
Peace and harmony and freedom
Peace and harmony
Peace and harmony and freedom
Jewish people all over the world observe Hanukkah. The eight-day holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Music, artworks and sculpture embody the symbolic menorah, a branched candelabrum. The Hora, an Israeli folk dance enlivens celebrations.
I have a little dreidel
I made it out of clay
And when it’s dry and ready
Oh dreidel, I shall play
Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel
I made you out of clay
And when you’re dry and ready
Oh Dreidel we shall play
Christmas is perhaps the most widely observed holiday, a commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a feast that initiates the twelve days of Christmastide which ends after the twelfth night. Around the world, art and artists spoltlight the Christmas Season. Defining films like A Wonderful Life, the Nutcracker Ballet and lyrics from songs like I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas have become traditions.
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
At this special time of year, when we gather with friends and loved ones, when we express our gratitude, and share our prayers for our future, let’s take note how theArts is our connective tissue, how the Arts open doors to understanding and acceptance, highlighting our humanity, reminding us how we all are alike, not different.
I offer these End of Year To-Dos…….
ATTEND
In Roswell and in our region there is a full calendar of events to help you celebrate your special days. This holiday season add music, theater, and visual arts to your traditions.
GIVE A GIFT OF ART
Be creative! Delight your colleagues, friends and family with a gift of Art. Tickets to a play or concert, a cool poster, a lovely bowl, a painted scarf, a table topper book, art-inspired notecards and more! Learn more about local artists and galleries in our arts directory.
DONATE
This is a perfect time to support our Arts Community. A tax-deductible investment in your favorite local arts organization will garner a return in future enrichment for all of us, young and old. We invite you to visit the Roswell Arts Fund’s website for opportunities to contribute to our mission, whether making an individual donation or sponsoring a sculpture.
COMMIT TO A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION FOR GREATER INVOLVEMENT WITH THE ARTS
Take an arts class sponsored by Roswell Recreation and Parks, volunteer for an arts organization, become a Roswell Arts Fund member, ensure your child’s arts education and engagement, buy an annual subscription to your favorite arts venue, and more!
Wishing you all a nurturing Holiday Season!
Seasons Greetings
Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri
Feliz Navidad
Chanuka Sameach
Veselé Vánoce
Joyeux Noël
Buon Natale
Sugeng Natal
Merry Christmas
