The afternoon teas are a time when everyone is in the same place to enjoy a spot of tea and take part in some special cultural sessions and traditions. Here is information about this year’s teas.
December 28 | 4:30 pm
The Ostfriesen Tea Ceremony
Rich tortes and pastries accompany authentic black Ostfriesen tea served in delicate Ostfriesen china in this ceremony typical of Northwestern Germany. The tea is served with cream and kluntje, which is sugar in a large, crystal form. Dan Lippitt, Glenn Mitroff, and Greg Winz present this beloved Folklore Village tradition.
December 29 | 4:30pm
Hmong Cultural Tea with Pao Lor
Join author Pao Lor for afternoon tea! Pao Lor joined thousands of Hmong who fled for their lives through the jungles of Laos in the aftermath of war as a five-year-old boy. After more than two years in Thai refugee camps, Pao and his surviving family members journeyed to the United States, eventually settling in Green Bay. His memoir Modern Jungles: A Hmong Refugee’s Childhood Story of Survival recounts the challenges he faced navigating a frightening and unfamiliar new world while struggling to fulfill the hopes his parents had once held for his future. Today, Pao is Associate Dean for the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. At the tea Pao will be discussing Hmong culture and the Hmong diaspora. Pao’s presentation will be followed by Hmong tea and treats!
The Hmong Cultural Tea is part of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Wisconsin History Makers Tour, a program bringing history directly to local communities in every region of the state through pop-up exhibits, artifact displays, public programs, art installations, and other activities. The Tour will travel through the state from September 2023 to February 2027.
December 30 | 4:30pm
Sankta Lucia Tea
This tea begins with St. Lucia walking into the darkened hall wearing a crown of lit candles on her head. Children and teens of the festival walk behind her, singing traditional songs they learned earlier that day. This Swedish ceremony celebrates the winter solstice, the return of sunlight, and the Christmas spirit of giving, embodied in St. Lucia herself. Saffron buns and coffee/tea follow.
December 31 | 4:30 pm
Christmas Festival Auction Tea
This longstanding tradition of great finds and fast bidding is something you don’t want to miss. Auctioneer Jim McNeill dresses up and leads the fun, witty exchanges that dominate this tea! This is an extremely important fundraiser for Folklore Village and we appreciate you both donating and bidding on special handmade and folk inspired items. If you have a special item for the auction, bring it to the office early during the festival.