By Arts Editor, Joel Grimsley
Frederik Meijer Gardens is hosting their annual Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibitions from Nov. 27 to Jan. 5 celebrating the season with poinsettias, evergreens and culturally unique Christmas ornamentation.
The display features 42 beautifully adorned evergreens and other captivating displays to celebrate both Christmas and other holidays that coincide with the beginning of winter.
This December marks the 30th year that the University of Michigan Health-West and Meijer gardens have put together the display of internationally themed trees.
The exhibition honors diverse cultures and holiday traditions, sharing folklore and cultural heritage to all those who come to Meijer Gardens, where the exhibit is included in the entrance ticket.
Trees are decorated according to customs and themes from specific countries, allowing for each tree displayed to be unique as they all have their own ornaments specific to that country.
The England tree hung Christmas crackers (a Christmas Dinner tradition), the brightly decorated Mexican tree had piñatas hanging from its branches, and traditional Irish crosses ornamented Ireland’s tree alongside other Celtic iconography. A Yule goat made of straw was also featured beside the Swedish tree.
Germany’s tree, which was where the tradition of bringing decorated evergreen trees into the home originated, had nutcrackers, candles and glass baubles, another tradition that began in Germany in the 19th century. Handmade Springerle cookie ornaments also hung from the branches.
Germany’s traditionally decorated tree – Photo by Joel Grimsley
The exhibits bring to life vibrant cultural traditions throughout the world, such as the Ukraine tree that was decorated with spiderwebs. A reference to western Ukrainian folklore, where according to tradition a family were so poor they could not afford decorations, so while they were asleep spiders came and wove intricate webs on the tree, which glowed silver and gold in the morning sun when the family woke up.
Meijer Gardens also collaborated with the Ukrainian Society of Michigan to present a special performance that celebrates Ukraine’s Christmas traditions, which will include vibrant costumes, singing and storytelling, pairing them alongside iconic American traditions and carols.
The Ukrainian tree’s spider themed decorations – Photo by Joel Grimsley
The holiday traditions on display were not limited to the Christmas holiday, they also featured other celebrations at this time of year, such as Diwali. A sand mandala was exhibited, which is traditionally created by Tibetan Buddhist monks, which consists of geometric patterns made of sand that represent the universe.
The exhibition is open for the rest of the Christmas season alongside other events, such as caroling, a reindeer and Santa Claus visit and a cultural music event. It is well worth seeing for visitors wanting to get into the holiday spirit.
The Saint 