Our Festivals Around the World theme was an unforgettable journey of discovery and celebration for our SIS Zürich-Wollishofen kindergarten 1 class, sparking curiosity and excitement as we explored global traditions and cultures. As a multicultural school, we delved into festivals that were both familiar and new to the children, celebrating the differences and similarities that make our world so unique. Among the many festivals explored, the class focused on the Mid-Autumn Festival, Thanksgiving, Diwali, and Chinese New Year, immersing themselves in a rich and diverse cultural experience.
First, the class was introduced to the Mid-Autumn Festival and the captivating story of Chang’e and the moon, where they learned about the full moon’s significance and the importance of family unity. Through storytelling, hands-on activities, and tasting traditional mooncakes with egg yolk, the children experienced the cultural importance of this special celebration.
Similarly, Thanksgiving provided a chance for the children to reflect on gratitude, the importance of sharing, and spending time with loved ones. The class discussed how this holiday is celebrated around the world and participated in activities that focused on giving thanks to the people they hold dear.
Next, the children prepared two incredible plays that brought the festivals of Diwali and Chinese New Year to life. The first play focused on Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, where the children retold the epic story of Sita, Rama, Lakshmana, and the villainous ten-headed Ravana. The children embraced their roles with enthusiasm, deepening their understanding of the cultural meaning of Diwali, and reinforcing the values of good triumphing over evil and the importance of light in dispelling darkness.
The second play revolved around Chinese New Year, where the class brought the legendary tale of Nian to life in an amazing performance for their parents. In the story, Nian, a fearsome monster, frightened villages until the villagers discover that Nian was afraid of three things: the colour red, loud noises, and fire. By incorporating these elements into their celebrations, the villagers managed to scare Nian away. Today, these traditions, including the use of fireworks, remain central to Chinese New Year and are believed to ward off bad luck and evil spirits.
It was a truly special experience to have parents join us for our Chinese New Year celebration which included a lion dance and bubble waffles. The children’s performances allowed them to share their learning with their families, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.
The overall goal of this theme was to help the children develop a deeper appreciation for the multicultural world in which we live. By exploring the customs and traditions of various cultures, the children gained a broader perspective, learned the values that unite us, and, most importantly, had fun while doing so. We hope the experiences and lessons from this theme will inspire further exploration and curiosity at home and beyond, encouraging the children to embrace and celebrate the rich diversity of the world around them.