Tondabayashi: America's Sister Christmas City

On Christmas Eve, 1741, a Protestant group of settlers from Germany called Moravians sang a hymn about Bethlehem in the land of Judah being where Christ was born. The song inspired Moravian founders who that night christened the city "Bethlehem."

In 1937, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce adopted the nickname "Christmas City, USA" because of its' connection to Christmas.

On the other side of the world, another city shares the name "Christmas City". The city is Tondabayashi, Japan, a leading Christmas ornament manufacturer. It is famous for sparking Christmas spirit with its beautiful glass ornaments.

In 1956, President Eisenhower created "The Sister City Program." He wanted to promote peace among the nations and believed it would come to pass through the direct personal involvement of individual citizens with one another.

Bethlehem and Tondabayashi became siblings because they are both affiliated with Christmas.

When visitors tour Bethlehem and see the 81-foot-high electric "Star of Bethlehem," symbolic of peace on earth shining over the Lehigh Valley from South Mountain, they can also visit The Serenity Garden symbolizing peace to the human soul.

The garden was a gift to Bethlehem from Tondabayahi in recognition of their international friendship. It is on the west side of Bethlehem Area Public Library on Church Street.

Tondabayashi landscape architect Yoshinaga Sakon who designed the garden, says that, "Serenity lies at the heart of every Japanese Garden. As an artistic expression of the essence of nature, Japanese gardens draw upon the natural world's tranquil beauty to create an oasis for meditation. The serenity and peace at the core of this garden are experienced in the harmony achieved through a balancing of its many elements."

The Bethlehem-Tondabayashi Sister City Commission was officially designated by Bethlehem's City Council in 1971. Its' goal is to promote friendship and understanding between the two cities, to promote cultural interests and tourism, and to oversee a student exchange program between the two cities.