Cinco de Mayo may not be anything more to Americans than another excuse for adults to throw back a shot of tequila, or two, but there are ways to teach kids about the true meaning of the day--which by the way is actually a day to commemorate Mexico's victory over the French in 1862, not the misconceived independence day notion.
A simple craft idea offered by Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association--Cupertino's Friday farmers' market folks--is fun, colorful and, if one is thinking ahead, it could also be a great gift idea for a little one to give to Mom this Mother's Day. All the materials are available at Michael's, , or in Cupertino.
It's called "God's Eye." A craft from the Huichol tribe of Mexico, it is symbolic of the power of seeing and understanding that which is unknown or unknowable. (Kind of like what Mom's do when they somehow know a hand is reaching into a cookie jar though they are out of view of said cookie jar.)
According to PCFMA's directions all you need to make it is:
- String or yarn in several colors
- Two popsicle or craft sticks
- Glue
- Scissors
Step 1: Glue the two craft sticks together to form a cross.
Step 2: Take one color of yarn, or string, and wrap it over and around one stick, then over and around the next, and keep repeating until you reach the desired point where you're ready for the next color.
Step 3: Take a second color of yarn, or string, and tightly tie a knot to the first color. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the sticks are filled with yarn.
Step 4: Loop a short piece of yarn, or string, into a hanger and tie or glue it to the back of your God's Eye.
