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Color-Symbol Bracelet

Activity Objective:

To reinforce the symbolic meaning of certain colors in the Catholic Church

Lesson Outcome:

The children will create a token to reinforce color symbolism.

Materials

Embroidery floss, or any craft yarn (enough for each child to have one length each of white, red, green, and violet)
Scissors
Clear or masking tape

Directions:

Explain to the children that certain colors have special significance within the Catholic Church.
For each color of floss, cut lengths of the floss about twice the diameter of a child's wrist.
Give one strand of each color to each child.
Have the children tape the tops of the floss to a desk or table and begin braiding. You can have them braid as four strand (just take one strand over again versus three strand braiding), or have them combine two strands together and braid as a three strand.
Explain that white is the symbol of light, innocence, joy, and glory, and that it is used for Christmas, Easter, feasts of Mary and the saints who were not martyrs, and for funerals.
Explain that red is the symbol of fire, the Holy Spirit, and the martyrs' generous sacrifices. It is used on Pentecost, Good Friday, Palm Sunday, and the feasts of the martyrs.
Explain that green is the hue of plants and trees and speaks of the hope of eternal life. It is used on the Sundays of Ordinary Time.
Explain that violet is the color of royalty and is used in Advent and Lent.
After the children have finished braiding, tie the strands around their wrists as remembrance bracelets.
Tell the children that as they see these colors around them in their everyday lives, they should think of the meaning the colors have within our faith as well.

Learning Styles:

Art/Space Smart

Approximate Time:

10 minutes

Hints:

This is also an excellent activity to do while listening to music or reading a story to the children.

Sensitivities:

May want to do a brief tutorial on braids in front of the whole class in case children do not know how to braid.