Russian Star Ornaments
Craft a traditional paper ornament that was popular in old Russia. Trim holiday trees with these international Christmas symbols for a new look!
1. How do you picture Christmas? What does your family traditionally eat on Christmas Eve? How do you decorate for the season.
2. Russia has deep snow and cold weather, which for many people is traditional for Christmas. In old Russia, Russian Orthodox religious beliefs were often mixed with European customs and folk traditions. Russian people fasted to prepare for the occasion. They ate foods that symbolized different parts of the Christmas story. Straw or wheat covered the dinner table to remember Christ's birth in a stable. On Christmas Eve, Russians ate kutya, a porridge made from wheat berries, honey, poppy seeds, and raisins.
3. In pre-soviet Russia, Christmas trees were decorated with homemade ornaments. Often fruit, such as apples or oranges, was hung on the tree. Walnuts covered in silver foil and paper chains were also hung from its boughs. Star ornaments were another popular decoration. Here's how you can make your own.
4. With Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils, sketch a large star on a recycled file folder. If you need to make changes in the design, just erase and start again.
5. Color in the star with the bright colors of Crayola Gel Markers and Metallic Colored Pencils. Cut out the star with Crayola Scissors.
6. Cover your art area with newspaper. Paint a wooden dowel or chopstick with gold Crayola Premier Tempera and a Crayola Paint Brush. Air dry.
7. Attach your star to the golden stick with Crayola School Glue. Lay flat to air dry.
8. Decorate your Russian Start Ornament with ribbons and Crayola Glitter Glue. Air dry flat.
9. Wave your star across the sky. To trim a Christmas tree with it, stick the wooden wand into the branches.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Glitter Glue—
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.
Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.
Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points
- Research why the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas 13 days after the Christmas in other Christian churches.
- Older students compare how Christmas was celebrated in old Russia, during the Soviet period with a New Year's focus, and currently during the "Russian Renaissance." Discuss the reasons why this holiday observance changed during different time periods.
- Older students read passages from Tolstoy's War and Peace that recount Christmas in old Russia.
- Find what "mumming" is, including its costumes and clowns. Research any activities in your area, such as the Mummers Parade on New Year's Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Find out what foods are traditional Christmas fare in other parts of the world. Prepare them and invite families to taste the traditions.
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