Most educators and students are unaware of the Name Day, an alternative to the birthday celebrated in many cultures. Rather than birthdays, individuals of these cultures celebrate a day devoted to the saint, mythological god, or historical figure after which they were named. If students, particularly of elementary years, are to be educated in a…

Students in the music classroom are more culturally and linguistically diverse than ever before. Latinx students are the fastest growing population. Often, these students are neglected through deficit-based pedagogical practices with regard to their cultural and linguistic practices; however, other research into asset-based pedagogical practices…

The Christmas season in Mexico starts on December 16 with "las posadas," a series of religious processions in which families or neighbors reenact Joseph's search for shelter for Mary en route to Bethlehem. Those representing pilgrims travel from home to home until they are finally accepted by those representing innkeepers at a home with…

This theme issue, centered around the Kalevala (a collection of primarily lyrical folk poems), includes articles giving the history of the Kalevala and its place in Finnish culture, comparing the Kalevala and the lyric poems of Homer, the Kalevala's influence on modern Finnish culture, the Kalevala in contemporary theatre, and celebrations…

Shows the insights that a sensitive composer and performer can bring to the study of Indian music. After Humphreys listened, learned, and sang with several Pueblo composers to learn their ideas and techniques, he composed a song to see what an Indian musician would do with it. (ERB)

The village of Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills is synonymous with Christmas. Its annual Festival of Lights originated in the 1940s and now attracts over 250,000 visitors each year. In 1994, the Lobethal Lights Festival Committee took over the coordination of activities and gained serious corporate sponsorship. The formalisation of the Festival…

A 25-year association with the Kwakiutl led to an invitation in 1987 to a Kwakiutl memorial potlatch in British Columbia (Canada). Jean Lave's concept of peripheral participation is used as a framework for examining how humans find their "way in" to such cultural events. (Author/MMU)

The Music Division of the Library of Congress houses a collection that numbers close to eight million items including the classified music and book collections; music and literary manuscripts; microforms; and copyright deposits. This guide shows the highlights of the collection, as well as its mission. The Library of Congress embraces the complete…

Traces the history of the settlement school; describes cultural programs it now offers to supplement the county school system in art and music, day care, adult education, bookmobile services, and Appalachian folk arts; also describes school-sponsored regional writers' workshops, Appalachian Family Folk Week, and Appalachian Visual Arts Week. (JD)

A successful community festival will be unique, will fit the character and interests of the community, and should be headed by a versatile coordinator who can administer fund raising, publicity, and recordkeeping. (RJG)

Discusses the history of Cherokee stickball, a ball game dating back at least to the 1500s that was once used (as an alternative to war) for resolving grievances between tribes and townships. Describes traditional aspects of Cherokee stickball and notes the steady decline of the game and its traditional rules and ceremonies. (LP)

During the 1920s, Walker Calhoun learned traditional songs and dances from his uncle, Will West Long, spiritual leader of the Big Cove Cherokees. Nine years ago, Calhoun began teaching them to his grandchildren and other young people. Calhoun has received numerous honors for his work to preserve Cherokee culture. (LP)

This conference report argues that folk arts, which are transmitted informally by community word of mouth and example, represent the core culture of the community. Since a central goal for education is to prepare students to understand, live in, and contribute to their culture, the traditional folk arts represent valuable classroom resources. They…

This serial issue is devoted to examining the artists of Germany, their cultural economy, and their increasing dependence on public agencies for support. The prospects for the up-and-coming generation of artists are examined and the available training institutions, teaching staff, study programs and qualifications for professional prospects and…

Offers examples of good Soviet art teachers and their ideas. Describes an art teacher who allows children to draw in any position so as to free natural creativity. Tells of programs to develop children's interest and ability in folk art, architecture, and life. Stresses the importance of sincerity of interaction and innovation. (DK)