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Morning Call: Holiday tree exhibits showcase ethnic traditions and fashion runway glamour
December 12th, 2019 | In The News
Written by Jennifer Sheehan for The Morning Call
We’re going to go out on a limb here with this statement: The ultimate expression of holiday creativity is the Christmas tree.
We can thank German immigrants for bringing the Christmas tree tradition to America in the early 1800s. Since that time, the Christmas tree has evolved into an expression of not only creativity (and even art in some cases), but also of ethnic traditions and pride.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own tree, or just a reason to get into the spirit of the season, we have two exhibits devoted to the Christmas tree you’ll want to check out this holiday season.
Christmas in South Bethlehem — An Ethnic Experience
When and where: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Jan. 3; Bethlehem Visitors Center at SteelStacks; 711 E. 1st St., Bethlehem.
When the Windish people emigrated to South Bethlehem, few had enough money for expensive decorations. So, they chose to adorn their Christmas trees with wrapped candies and nuts, cookies, oranges, apples and a precious few glass ornaments.
In African-American homes, Christmas trees were often decorated with pine cones, pecans and walnuts hung by brightly colored ribbons with a silver star on top — representing the Christ child.
Each year, an exhibit hosted by the South Bethlehem Historical Society — “Christmas In South Bethlehem – An Ethnic Experience” — celebrates those diverse decorating traditions. This year’s exhibit marks its 28th year in a new location, the Bethlehem Visitors Center at SteelStacks.
You’ll see 16 trees representing a global array of traditions — from African-American, Carpatho-Rusyn, English, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Lithuanian, Mexican, Polish and more. Each tree has a description next to it, explaining the cultural traditions.
How much: Free.
Info: www.facebook.com/SouthBethlehem/
Couture Trees of Historic Bethlehem
Here’s a chance to see Christmas trees that are fresh off the runway. Well, sort of.
Couture Trees of Historic Bethlehem — a blend of both the world of fashion and holiday decor — is open through Jan. 12.
The trees, decorated by the Bethlehem Garden Club, are on view at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, Single Sisters’ House, and the 1810 Goundie House. The display is hosted by Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites.
You’ll see more than 20 trees, adorned with decorations inspired by famous designers such as Dior, Chanel, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and more.
Along with Christmas trees dressed to the nines, you’ll find dress forms styled to fit the designer’s theme.
Here’s the rundown on what designer-inspirations you’ll see at each site:
Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts: Dior, Judith Leiber, Philip Treacy, Valentino, Betsy Johnson, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Comme des Garcons, Vera Wang, and Anne Marie of Paris.
1810 Goundie House: Chanel, Carolina Herrera, Yves Saint Laurent, and Kate Spade.
Moravian Museum of Bethlehem: Ralph Lauren, Eric De Kolb, Burberry, Versace, Fendi, and Gucci.
Single Sisters’ House: Louis Vuitton, Lilly Pulitzer, Jeanne Lanvin, Dolce & Gabanna.
The trees are displayed alongside “PURSEonality: A Stylish Handbag History” exhibit, with corresponding purses, clutches, and handbags from the private collection of Ilene Hochberg Wood. Featured at the Kemerer Museum is a Parisian-themed tree, pairing well with Wood’s impressive collection of Anne-Marie of Paris Bags on display in the vault.
How much: $12 for one site for adults, $9 for children ages 4 to 17; $20 for a multi-museum pass for adults and $12 for children ages 4 to 17.
Site hours, info: historicbethlehem.org/visit/site-hours/
