As a devout Catholic , Antony reminisces about the excitement of creating a “ crib ” — a nativity scene her family sets up each year to celebrate the birth of Jesus . In Kerala , the crib goes beyond a decorative item ; it ' s a project involving everyone ...
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 29
As a devout Catholic , Antony reminisces about the excitement of creating a “ crib ” — a nativity scene her family sets up each year to celebrate the birth of Jesus . In Kerala , the crib goes beyond a decorative item ; it ' s a project involving everyone ...
celebrate the birth of Jesus . In Kerala , the crib goes beyond a decorative item ; it ' s a project involving everyone , from grandparents to young children . Families carefully craft it with clay figurines , straw and handmade structures , placing it in a prominent spot in their home as a reminder of their faith and togetherness .
Antony explains that Christmas in Kerala isn ’ t complete without a visit to the bustling markets . Streets and small shops are adorned with vibrant lights and decorations , lending a festival-like atmosphere to everyday life . Antony ' s family also follows a 25-day list of small acts of kindness and prayers assigned by her church . Each day , she would perform these acts as a way of spiritually preparing herself for the holiday .
Although Antony is far from her family , she recreates a sense of home by cooking traditional Kerala Christmas dishes in her apartment . The warm , spiced flavors of her favorite dishes remind her of the food
her mother cooks -beef stew and appam ( a rice pancake ). It connects her to her culture in a way that transcends distance . Antony sees these traditions as more than just routines ; they ’ re a way of holding on to her identity while living in a different country .
Reina : Shanxi , China
Jiasin “ Reina ” Han , a 24-year-old international student from China , lived in a province in China called Shanxi , with her mom , dad and sister . Hailing from a province rich in history and scenic landscapes , Han ' s upbringing in private boarding schools fostered her independence and deepened her appreciation for family connections , particularly with her younger sister . When it comes to celebrations , Han highlights the significance of the Chinese Lunar New Year , the biggest holiday in her culture . Falling anywhere between December and February , this month-long celebration is marked by vibrant fireworks , family gatherings
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