Holiday Trees for 10th year at Treasurer Office

CHICAGO: For the 10th year, holiday trees and cultural displays decorated and mounted by religious and ethnic groups will be on display through the holiday season in the Chicago downtown office of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.

The display of “Holiday Trees from Around the World,” an annual tradition in Pappas’ office begun in 2003, will be available for public viewing till January 6, 2014, in Room 112 of the Cook County Building, 118 N. Clark St., Chicago.
Sponsoring groups and individuals all start with three-foot-high trees which they decorate to reflect their own cultural traditions. When all the trees and other displays – from African American, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim traditions and a Christian Nativity scene – are completed, they stand lighted on counters through the Treasurer’s Office, showing familiar ornaments and tinsel, but also animals, flowers, fruit, balls, candles, plates, boats, stars and flags.

“We see Cook County’s amazing population diversity in these trees and displays, each celebrating a different heritage but all creating a special beauty together,” said Pappas, thanking all who have decorated trees and provided displays.

The nearly 90 countries and communities represented this year include: African American, Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Canada, China, Egypt, England, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Uruguay and Vietnam, among others.

Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service