Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is India's biggest and most celebrated holiday. But it goes beyond the beautiful displays of lights that shine so brightly, and also deeply represents the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. Diwali marks the New Year in Hindu culture, so it's a celebration to honour the dawn of a New Year and the respect for the one that has ended. The interpretation of Diwali varies slightly from place to place, depending on where in India (or in the world) that someone may live. But the overarching theme of this brightly lit holiday is always choosing good over evil. A virtue that we as educators strive to show and teach to the children in our care, everyday.
Through various mediums, this past week our classrooms brought the spirit, the messaging and the light of Diwali into LCCC.
Henna
In Hinduism, the temporary skin stain known as Henna, symbolizes good health and prosperity. And when done during the Festival of Lights Diwali, it's also known to be a good luck charm for the year ahead. Our classrooms created their own Henna designs on paper using paper, markers, paint and glitter, each creation unique to their own taste and personal style. Just as Henna would be!
Oil Lamps
Oil Lamps are made during Diwali as a symbol of happier times ahead. The lighting of them is the highlight of the entire celebration as "Diwali" really translates to "rows of light" Our classrooms created their own Oil Lamps and put them in rows in true Diwali fashion. They brought them home to not only share their learnings with their family, but also to bring pieces of a culture they may not have previously known, into their home.