Image courtesy of MFAH
Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s family-friendly Winter Festival!
Start the day with fiery drums, and end with a thrilling performance by lion and dragon dancers.
Enjoy art-making activities with family and friends: create an ema (illustrated wooden plaque), decorate a bookmark, or craft a sparkling firecracker using colored cellophane and foil. Indulge in foods representing a variety of East Asian cuisines, available for purchase from local vendors.
While Japan’s official and cultural New Year’s Day now falls on the first day of January according to the Gregorian calendar, this was not always the case. In fact, prior to the Meiji Period, Japan observed the new year in accordance with the lunisolar calendar.
Now and in the past, Japanese people celebrate the New Year by setting new goals and resolutions. One of the unique traditions is the decoration of Daruma dolls, which symbolize perseverance and the fulfillment of goals. Create your very own Daruma doll and wish for the success of your New Year’s resolutions. Your original Daruma will surely watch over you and encourage you as you work toward your goals!
JASH needs your help to introduce this Japanese New Year’s tradition to MFAH Winter Festival attendees.
Volunteer with JASH and provide kids of all ages with the opportunity to make their own paper plate Daruma doll.
To join the JASH volunteer team, please complete the form below: