Each New Day

Celebrations at Christmas time in Alaska can be like many other places in the U.S. But there are some Aleutian traditions that still take place as well. One of these is the Christmas Star Wheel, which is carried while caroling house to house. We made mini star wheels out of tinseled pipe cleaners. We simply twisted them together to form the (supposed to be) eight point star and the inner and outer wheel around it. We printed nativity clip art off the computer to glue into the center.

We did not, however, take them caroling.

Although Alaska is part of the U.S., we read about some of the Aleutian traditions that people still practice today. One of these is the making of star wheels. These star wheels are made of tinsel, usually with an eight point star, and may be as big as an umbrella. In the center of the wheel is a picture representing the nativity. Someone with a lampada or candle or even flashlight these days will lead the group of star bearers from house to house singing carols. While singing, the star wheel is to be turned to bring the happy messages of the carols to the listeners.