Decorate with Palm Fronds (Nigeria)

Palm fronds are an important part of the Christmas décor in Nigeria. Typically, we associate palm leaves with the Christian celebration of Palm Sunday and Easter. In the Jewish tradition, the palm frond symbolized triumph and victory, so it was fitting that they were laid before the Messiah as He made His triumphal entry into the Holy City. In Nigeria, the palm fronds symbolize peace, also fitting, as the Christ child was sent to bring Peace on Earth.(John 14:27 and 16:33)

Why not make some palm fronds to decorate your house in the Nigerian way this Christmas season?

Materials*

Scissors

Green construction paper

Scotch tape

Optional: green pipe cleaners

Directions:

Cut out large leaf shapes from green construction paper. Fold the leaves in half lengthwise. Crease the leaves and then unfold them.

Cut deep slits in the sides of the leaves to make them look like palm fronds, without cutting all the way through the leaves.

Roll a second piece of green construction paper into as tight a tube as possible and tape it so it will stay. Tape that to the center as a stem. Or tape a pipe cleaner down the middle of the leaf.

* If you prefer a template to make the leaves, one can be downloaded at http://www.dltk-bible.com/crafts/mpalm.htm

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