How the UA Family Studies and Human Development Ambassadors Taught Local Refugees What Halloween is All About
Tucson, AZ – October 29th, 2009
Refugees coming to America are eager to acculturate and learn about our major holidays, but how do you explain the tradition of Halloween with the silly costumes, the scary-faced pumpkins, and the exciting concept of going trick-or-treating? This year the Family Studies and Human Development (FSHD) Ambassadors took it upon themselves to teach a group of local refugees just that. Though it’s often difficult to express certain traditions across cultural barriers, the Ambassadors were able to arrange a fun-filled evening that encapsulated the spirit of Halloween. A group of Bhutanese-Nepalese refugee children and their families welcomed the Ambassadors to their apartment complex and a Halloween atmosphere was created, complete with cobwebs and scary music. The Ambassadors helped the families carve ghosts into pumpkins, paint faces, don silly costumes, and engage in song and dance – they even did the Monster Mash! They also incorporated the traditional Bhutanese-Nepalese game of “catching” candy and sel roti (circular donuts) dangling from a quivering string; by incorporating traditions from both cultures both groups were able to learn and enjoy each others holiday rituals. By the end of the night, the whole community was out admiring the dozen or so craftily carved pumpkins lit up in readiness for the big night on the 31st. Elders in the community were so impressed by this new tradition that they placed the revered pumpkins on their tea tables to ensure that no one would damage them!
Vicky Bradley, the activity coordinator for the refugee community, displayed her gratitude by noting that “not only was the event a great success in itself, but by Saturday evening the young people were curious and excited to go trick-or-treating in [Ms. Bradley’s] neighborhood.” Since 2000, the FSHD Ambassadors have worked with the Tucson community through various philanthropic efforts. This outreach has included working with organizations such as Girl Scouts, the Tucson Special Olympic Swim Team, and Casa De Los Niños. Thanks to Vicky Bradley and the Ambassadors, these refugee families will be ready to face Halloween next year, equipped with their new pumpkin carving skills!
“On behalf of the refugee families, a big hug and thank you to these wonderful students” – Vicky Bradley, Activity Coordinator for the Refugee Community of Tucson
For more information contact:
Amy Chandler – alc@u.arizona.edu, Alison Ewing – arewing@email.arizona.edu
Website - http://cals.arizona.edu/fcs/fshd/ambassadors
Photo Gallery - http://cals.arizona.edu/fcs/image/tid/9
