Over the past three years, I have customarily taught in Vietnamese neighborhoods. Through this experience I have learned about Chinese New Year, traditional foods, soups, outfits and other celebrations that the Vietnamese celebrate. All of these celebrations have been fascinating and has made me realize how little culture I have in my family. Don't get me wrong, we have traditions and special foods we love, but no one dresses up in a beautiful Ao Dia and gets their hair done before school.
Currently, I am teaching in a pre-dominantly Hispanic neighborhood. With this change in culture, comes new traditions. The latest lesson I have learned is about the holiday, Dia De Reyes, or "Kings Day". A student brought in a "King Cake" or better known as Roscon De Reyes. This holiday celebrates the Three Wise Men and the birth of Jesus. Luckily for me, a student brought in a King Cake to share with our class. All of the kids were excited to eat the cake and hoped to get a baby Jesus doll in their piece. I learned, if your piece of cake has a baby Jesus inside, you are responsible for throwing your family a party on February 2nd. It is believed, the Light of Christ is presented to the world on this day. To our surprise, there was two plastic baby Jesus figures inside, looks like a lot of parties are going to be thrown on February 2nd!
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