Lights have played an important role in celebrations for many cultures throughout history. This weekend the Bowman Library will be highlighting the Diwali Festival of Lights at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 26th. As we head towards this weekend's festivities, we'll look at this and other family traditions, the comfort and symbolism of light, and cultural celebrations during our storytimes.
To find books to check out, type in #festivaloflights into the catalog search. You can find picture books there as well as some selections from non-fiction with craft, food, and other celebration ideas.
Here is one treat you can make to invite a different culture into your home through a traditional snack children enjoy in India. Diwali Coconut Treats! Coconut sweets and dried fruits are favorites at Diwali. Let your child help you make these versions of traditional treats for a snack. Mix sweetened cream cheese with flaked coconut and roll into small balls. Use fingers to soften dried apricot halves. Then stuff the apricots with the coconut-cheese balls.
Here are some songs and rhymes about candles, lights, and Diwali to enjoy together with your child.
Here’s a Little Candle
(Tune: “I’m a Little Teapot“)
Here’s a little candle dressed in white,
Wearing a hat of yellow light.
When the night is dark, then you will see
Just how bright this light can be.
Here’s a little candle straight and tall,
Shining its light upon us all.
When the night is dark, then you will see
Just how bright this light can be!
Here’s a little candle burning bright.
Keeping us safe all through the night.
When the night is dark, then you will see
Just how bright this light can be!
Little Lamps by Liz Ryerson
(Tune: "London Bridge")
Little lamps are burning bright,
Burning bright, burning bright.
Little lamps are burning bright.
It's Diwali.
See them lighting up the night,
Up the night, up the night.
See them lighting up the night.
It's Diwali.
Five Candles
Five little candles, in the night.
(Hold up 5 fingers)
Five little candles, burning bright.
(Make fingers “twinkle”)
Along comes the wind ....
Whoooo….
(Other hand makes windy motion, then fold one finger down)
All is quiet. (Other hand makes a “shhhh…”)
Continue with...
Four little candles burning in the night
Three little candles
Two little candles
One little candle.