RangoliRangoli (rung-OH-lee) is a Sanskrit word for beautiful, colorful designs created on the floor to welcome others, especially for the holiday of Diwali in India. People create rangoli with natural materials such as rice, leaves, beans and lentils, flower petals, and coloring, including spices like turmeric.

Make your own rangoli using rice mixed with food coloring–or go for a natural look with different colors of beans and lentils! “Real” rangoli would be created directly on the floor by an entrance. But you will place a large piece of colored paper or cardboard on the floor. Get pinches of rice or other materials between your fingers and dribble them onto the paper in the design of your choice. You can use symbols of God’s love or any patterns that you like. You may want to draw a design on your paper with a pencil first.

Give your guests a beautiful welcome; they are precious to God, too!

Shine: Living in God’s Light. © 2020 by Brethren Press, Elgin, IL 60120; MennoMedia, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. All rights reserved.

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