Among Mexico's most original traditions is the holiday dedicated to honoring the dead, Dia de los Muertos, November 2. This tradition combines aspects that define the national spirit. At the same time that it is a solemn festivity to remember the dead, it becomes a fiesta in its own right. Death, more than a thing to be feared, becomes the motif…

The thousand and one places (cabaret, cafe, music hall, theater) are the stops made by the would-be recording artist on the way to the studio. The historical development of the French song is traced from the middle ages to the present. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

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…

Following his own advice that elders of the tribe share their knowledge so that "the way of the Indians would come back to the children of today," Pete Beaverhead (1899-1975) tells of the traditions of respect and honor surrounding the eagle feather in a booklet illustrated with black and white drawings. The eagle is an Indian symbol of…

Discusses the value of various kinds of folk dances for providing variation from the daily school routine. Suggestions are given for their introduction and use in the English as a second language class. (IFS/WGA)

A member of the Caldecott Award committee reviews recommended children's books published in 1991. Annotations are provided for 13 historical novels for middle-graders and young adults and 47 picture books that focus on folklore and fairytales, human values, celebrations, and the environment. A bibliography is included. (EAM)

Questions who decides what a culturally literate person needs to know and its social implications. Comments on the lack of dance references in E. D. Hirsch's book, "Cultural Literacy." Discusses what a person needs to know about dance. Analyzes dance as art in the context of cultural literacy's requirements. (KM)

This research report examines the data collected in The Survey of Public Participation in the Arts (SPPA) for 1992, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. The study also provides a context for interpreting the data with a comparison to a similar survey of 1982. Jazz was defined as the respondents saw fit. Findings of the survey include:…

This guide accompanies a series of recordings called "Rhythmically Moving." The series of nine recordings is a rare collection of international folk music designed to aid students as they learn to develop basic timing and musicianship. This guide helps the user of the series to receive maximum benefit from the first of the recordings (RM1). Using…

This booklet describes and presents instructions and background for five popular Bulgarian folk dances. The document is part of an ethnic heritage teaching unit on folk arts of the Bulgarian people. The objective of the project is to help American students in elementary, junior high, and high schools understand and appreciate Bulgarians and their…

This book, appropriate for use in grades 3-6, presents information about nine regions of the world: Malaysia; Costa Rica; Taiwan; New Mexico, United States; Japan; India; Nigeria; Thailand; and China. Each region is presented in a three part format: (1) Background information provides a look at the geographical location, the flag, and the social…

The words to 41 traditional Indonesian songs and 3 standard Christmas carols are presented as supplementary material to the beginning language course in Indonesian. Knowing these songs will contribute to the student's appreciation of the Indonesian culture and customs. Though English translations are only provided for the titles, explanatory…

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)

This paper integrates learning about international culture through the avenue of dance, and focuses on learning about specific regions of France, and about French Canadians, and Louisiana Cajuns through dance selections. The international flavor is not limited to dances from France, but includes French-Canadian and Cajun dancing as well.…