The Words of the Krasnosumova Family
|
|
The Words of the Krasnosumova Family |
St. Petersburg, Russia -- Russian children traveled to Finland and Sweden as part of an international cultural festival on the theme of the "Light of the Christmas Star" December 11 - 15.
The Russian participants included schoolchildren and students from St. Petersburg, the village Bolshaya Izhora, and the city of Pskov. On the very first day, children gathered in a big hall to learn to know one another. First, they took part a game based on folk tales about a new year tree, a bunny, and a silver star. Then people dressed as Father Frost and his colleague from Finland, Yolupukki, appeared to offer congratulations and best wishes. Father Frost is a character from Russian folklore who lives in the woods and rules supreme from November until March. In Finland, he is called Yolupukki.
Studying the culture of neighboring nations is a good means to understand other people, experience their creativity, and learn from each other.
There was an exhibition of artwork on the theme of "Young Ambassador for Peace." There were drawings, paper crafts, mats with national patterns, and beautiful handmade national costumes.
On the second day, children competed in categories of singing, dancing, and circus performance. The jury had a hard time to choose the winners, because all the entries were interesting and well presented.
On the same day, a serious discussion among the older participants about the ways they can contribute to the life of their country. At the same time, in a neighboring room, the younger children made drawings representing the "Country of the future." The best drawings were awarded prizes from the foundation formed by the Russian artist Mihail Chemiakin.
The following day everyone traveled to Turku, the oldest town in Finland. In the spacious hall the second day of competition. It was an interesting day, with performances on the piano and accordion. The theme of the day was "Peace in your mind, love in your family, and peace on the planet."
The final events, in Stockholm, Sweden, included music competitions and recognition of young people who embody the ideals of the Universal Peace Federation. They received letters of commendation, prizes, and certificates as Young Ambassadors for Peace. School children in Sweden also received gifts that the Russian children had made before the festival.
Preparations for the festival began on September 21, the International Day of Peace. More than 100 students in the region participated in an event that day on the theme "The Baltic Sea Is Our Common Sea." The program started with a Finish folk dance, brilliantly performed by members of a dancing group. This was followed by interactive training for the children on the theme of "Living in peace with others." Children created a list of tolerance principles and created a symbolic Corridor of Friendship by planting rows of young trees. Students at the German high school also planted trees and decorated them with colored bands. The event was organized by the Universal Peace Federation, the Methodic Center of Primorsky, and the House of Nationalities.
Parents raised money for their children to travel to Finland and Sweden to participate in the December "Light of the Christmas Star" celebrations.
For more information about UPF's new Baltic Dialogue project, of which these activities are a part, go to http://www.tparents.org/Library/Unification/Talks/Balcome/Balcomb-090828.htm