Riley’s Rainforest: Art Around the World
“Send down . . . from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing ...” — Bahá’u’lláh
I'm so stoked! My family hosted our neighborhood devotional gathering today. This is when our community shares prayers, sings songs, and makes art. It’s especially cool because a lot of our neighbors are from different religions and countries!
What arts do you like to explore?
But at first we only sang songs from here in Australia. I asked the other birds to teach us songs from their countries, too. When my friend Vita had a turn, I was in awe! South American music and dance were new to me. Then she talked about when she lived in the Amazon Rainforest. Did you know the Amazon is called the “Lungs of the Planet” because of how much oxygen it gives us?
After Vita, others sang songs from countries in Africa and Asia. It was so fun! Sharing our music helped us feel closer and more unified, like birds of one nest.
All the songs made me feel like my heart wanted to burst out singing, too. The arts are so good for our souls and bodies. Making and sharing art builds virtues, like creativity and joy. It can also reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and even strengthen your immune system! Incredible, right?
I’m glad our friends sang their songs today. We want to keep exploring different kinds of art when we get together to pray. Next week, my friend Pip is going to show us how to make origami with palm leaves. I can’t wait!
Explore and Soar: Sample Diverse Arts
Check out these ideas for appreciating the arts of cultures around the world.
- Learn a song in another language with a friend, and perform it at a community event.
- Watch or learn a traditional folk dance from another culture. How does it make you feel?
- Ask a friend from another culture to show you how to make a favorite treat. What stories or memories does it bring to mind for them?
- Create a work of art inspired by the oneness of humanity with your friends. What can you learn from it?
- Read a folktale from a culture you admire. What foods, words, or traditions make the story unique?
- Learn about an artist or musician from another country. What inspires their work?
Curiosity Canopy
There are lots of awesome animal artists! For example, the male bowerbird creates beautiful nest-like bowers from grass and twigs to attract a mate. He decorates the bower area with objects like flowers, feathers, and shells. Then, when an impressed female sits under his bower, he dances for her. That’s real showmanship!
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Riley101 Riley’s Rainforest38 Play and Create741 Creativity242 Unity233 Discover517 Race Unity219 Friends209 Arts and Crafts203 Crafts201 Music171 Friendship179