Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions

METRO HEALTH CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Tuesday, November 26, 2019–Sunday, January 5, 2020

Wintertime and its cherished holiday season are steeped in symbolism. Join us for an insider’s look at the iconic symbols that make this the most treasured time of year, here in West Michigan and around the world.

What signs usher in the holiday season for you? We hope your list includes a visit to the Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This year marks the 25 th anniversary of our most beloved exhibition, and we’re celebrating the quarter-century milestone with a look at the symbols that signify the season.

This hallmark exhibition began with Lena Meijer in 1995. She created those first 20 displays with the help of family and friends. The exhibition has grown to an incredible 42 displays spanning 27 exquisitely adorned Christmas trees, 15 cultural displays and an enchanting Railway Garden, all nestled among magnificent winter plantings and the magic of more than 300,000 lights.

As you wander our winter wonderland, note the curated collections of symbols expressed throughout the world’s time-honored holiday traditions. Look for wreaths made of evergreen, whose bountiful branches signify growth and everlasting life. Even the circular shape of the wreath represents eternity, as it has no beginning and no end. Olive wood and birds symbolize peace. Notice winter birds gathering at the feeders outside or the inside carvings in olive wood showcased in the Middle East display.

Plants represent life, resilience and strength. During the holidays, Vietnamese families hold certain flowering plants like chrysanthemums, lotus, peonies and roses in high regard, calling them “noble” and proudly displaying their blossoms throughout their homes. Kadomatsu, or gate pine, are traditional decorations placed at the entrances of homes and businesses in anticipation of the Japanese New Year. Typically, they are made with two main components and each element is significant. Pine signifies vitality and long life. Bamboo symbolizes strength and growth.

Light is rich in meaning too. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an annual Hindu holiday celebrated in India. The true meaning behind Diwali is to rejoice in the inner light. The inner light is symbolized by lighting a small brass lamp called a diya. Lighting a diya is considered highly favorable, as it brings prosperity and good health.

Moons and stars are also commonly found in holiday celebrations. A moon represents the lunar calendar, with the first sighting of the crescent new moon marking Eid ul-Fitr, the Muslim Festival of fast-breaking and the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Stars represent the star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to baby Jesus and take several shapes in holiday displays, topping Christmas trees and as the parol, a starshaped lantern unique to the Philippines.

As you plan your visit, consider joining us for holiday-themed classes and special events like the annual Christmas tree lighting on Monday, November 25 or one of our additional Member Holiday Parties on December 1, 8, 15 and 16. The kids will love seeing Santa and the Dickens Carolers on Tuesday, November 26, December 3, 10 and 17, or spending an afternoon with Santa’s reindeer on Saturday, November 30 and December 7, 14 and 21. An adult party will take place on December 2 with a cash bar. Please watch the award winning film joy, highlighting several locally celebrated traditions from centuries ago, still vital today. Joy is showing continuously in the Hoffman Family Auditorium. We look forward to celebrating the season and all of its symbolism with you.

The Railway Garden brings joy to many during the Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition.

Photo by Peter McDanial.