Oakland Museum at the Oakland International Airport

September 26, 2003 - January 22, 2004
Celebrations Among Us
Oakland International Airport
located in the connecting walkway between the two terminals and
in the entranceway of Terminal One.

Airport Exhibition Archive

Our reasons to celebrate are many: the beginning of the new year; the gathering of the harvest; the commemoration of an important event; the observation of religious rites.

Celebrations Among Us highlights engaging objects used in rituals from the diverse cultures that shape and give perspective to daily life in the Bay Area. With so many distinct traditions, it is impossible to include every holiday of each ethnicity in this exhibit. While the traditional Christmas holiday is well known, we look here at some of the other celebrations that take place during the fall and winter months.

Many celebrations, dating back hundreds of years, were based on the winter solstice. They had various purposes: to worship a deity who brought protection during the dark months; to bring hope during the harvest and light to the following, cold winter days; or simply to bring the community together.

At first glance, we are struck by the differences between cultures, yet upon closer inspection, commonalities are found time and time again. Celebrations, whether solemn or jubilant, bring people together in kinship. Special foods are prepared, surroundings are decorated, family and friends are reunited. There is singing and dancing, exchanges of gifts and stories, laughter and tears.

Such shared experiences enrich life and remind us that we are not so different despite our differences. We find joy in the same things—our families, our friends, our beliefs and our traditions. With each passing year, we are reminded of our past and given hope for our future as we celebrate and commemorate that which each of us—and all of us—finds most important.