Kids' Program on Tibetan Culture Offered
SHELBURNE FALLS - Hilltown Families and the Children's Art Museum are offering an opportunity for area children to discover more about Tibetan culture by making sand mandalas and prayer flags on Friday, Feb. 1, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.Class will include folktales and will be held at that museum, which is in the same building as the Trolley Museum. Advance registration is required for all classes; to register, 413-625-2030. All ages are welcomed.
Sand mandalas are an ancient art form used to teach compassion, environmental relations and impermanence. The class aims to teach children the history behind this ancient art form as a way to supplement their global awareness of world civilizations and cultures. Making a sand mandala joins the art and history together into a creative and tactile experience.
On the Tibetan New Year, it is tradition to take down old prayer flags and to replace them with new ones. Parents and children are encouraged to make prayer flags together as an opportunity to teach them about other cultures and comparative religions. Because Tibetan prayer flags utilize color and animal symbolism along with positive intentions, parents can take the time to discuss with their kids the meaning of these symbols before making their flags.
Upcoming programs include "Discovering Russian Culture with Matryoska Dolls" at 10 a.m. on Feb. 10 and "Celebrating Girls Day" (from Japan) at 4 p.m. on Feb. 29.
For more information go to: www.HilltownFamilies.org
