A world view of holiday traditions

If you've ever wondered what the true meaning of an Advent calendar is, or how Australian families celebrate Christmas in the middle of a sweltering summer, the Elgin Public Museum has those answers and many more on display at its Touching on Tradition exhibit.

The exhibit at Lord's Park Pavilion includes decorated trees from more than 25 different cultures. There are also 62 displays - featuring Christmas trees, traditional dresses and traditional decorations - from various cultures that reflect the diversity of the Elgin area.

While some traditions adorn trees with bright lights and tinsel, others forgo the tree altogether, decorating banana leaf baci bowls instead. (A baci is a Laos ceremony to celebrate a special event.) In some, the birth of Jesus Christ is central, while in many others, the start of the new year is paramount.

But no matter the tradition or culture, the spirit of the holiday remains.

"There are so many myths, legends and stories out there that are told in different ways, but they all share a similar theme," said Mike McGrath, the museum's coordinator. "In the end it all comes down to families coming together to celebrate."

Since the exhibit began in a room at the Hemmens Auditorium 23 years ago, it has grown into the largest multicultural holiday display in the Midwest. Families from all over the Fox Valley spend an evening decorating their trees and creating displays, like the Guatemalan Nativity scene made entirely from paper that takes up one corner of the pavilion.

The setup time has turned into a tradition itself, with families bringing traditional food to share with others, McGraw said.

More than 60 elementary school groups are expected to attend the exhibit, which usually attracts another 600 visitors from the general public each year.

The exhibit is open from noon to 4 p.m. on weekends through Dec. 31. Entry is $2 for adults and $1 for children.