Citron Sun Catchers for Sukkot

Brenda Ponnay, author of the Secret Agent Josephine blog, is a regular contributor to ToriAvey.com. Her craft blogs are kid and family friendly; each project will help children learn the deeper meaning of the Jewish holidays. Today’s craft: Citron Sun Catchers for Sukkot

The citron is a fragrant citrus fruit, similar to a lemon but with less pulpy juiciness. In Hebrew, it’s called an etrog. The citron is an ancient fruit. It has been used as a Jewish blessing since Biblical times, and it’s one of the Four Species for Sukkot that are mentioned in the Torah.

Citrons are not really used for food in their natural state– they are really dry and sour– but they are sometimes candied at the end of Sukkot and for Tu B’Shevat. Citrons are pretty rare, and can be somewhat difficult to obtain here in the states, so I thought it would be nice to represent the citron in a craft instead.  These are fun little sun catchers that would look really pretty decorating your sukkah. They’re also really easy to make!

Here is what you’ll need to create this craft:

Yellow construction paper
Green construction paper
Yellow tissue paper
White glue
Some string or yarn
Scissors
Glue
A stapler

To start creating your citron, fold your yellow construction paper in half, then in half again.

Now cut a circle by cutting an arch from one folded side to the other. Don’t worry about being perfect, citrons are lumpy!

Now you’ll cut the inside sections out.  This is sort of like cutting a snowflake.  Fold your circle along the middle of the section you want to cut out. If you don’t feel comfortable with your snowflake cutting skills, I’ve created a template you can print out here and use as a guide.

When you’re done, open up your citron and it should look like this!

Now it’s time to add the tissue paper. Just cut a rounded piece of yellow tissue big enough to cover your cut-outs and glue it on with a thin bead of white glue. Let it dry a few minutes and then add your leaves and string with a staple at the top.

Now you’re ready to hang it!

Don’t eat it, silly!

Citrons are dry and sour!

For those of you who are all thumbs when it comes to crafting, we’ve created a fun printable coloring sheet just for you… just click, print and color!

To learn more about the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, click here.