Tradition:
1. bring a gift
2. sit on the floor the entire time
3. don't point the bottoms of your feet at anyone
4. when using your hands to talk, don't point, position your hand with your fingers extended and closed together along with your thumb to motion in one direction or another
The meal:
First I want to say that everything we experienced and ate there was really good. I was so full when we left I didn't think I'd make it to the car. Before the meal, we sat along the wall on a cushion and had tea, bread and candy. After some time, the younger members of the family brought a round bowl and a watering bucket for washing your hands before we ate. They went around to each person, very systematically and proper starting from one side of the room to the other.
The main course arrived beginning with naan, 3-4 lamb dishes including kabobs, a mildly spicy red sauce, and some small pieces on bones. They also have their own version of dumplings which look like pot stickers, only they seem to be baked and include spice infused lamb and a hint of yogurt. Rice is the staple here as well, along with a fancy decorated salad plate. There were several drinks including tea, soda(s) (pop if you're from Pennsylvania), and water. All of this was placed on the floor and covered about a 20-30 foot area. There's enough food to feed an army.
After the main course, it was time for ice cream WOOOOOO! And fruit...bananas, apples, and mangos.
Then more tea and drinks.
Then, we received some gifts from the family. (a rug and shirt for Betsy, and shirts for everyone else)
Diner started at 6:00 and was complete by about 10:30. We all took a tour of the home, stood on the roof and and had some great conversations about solving all of life's problems. It was a really fun and interesting experience. The structure and timing during the evening was something I had never experienced. It reminded me a lot of the dojo traditions we have. There's a lot of respect and tradition in regards to who does what first, how long and why. I really felt comfortable and at home.
1 comment:
Here are the aspects of everyday life that have been going on for thousands of years. This experience is what I, personally, would most want to be part of. I can't wait to hear all the details. Just think, these traditions stem as far back in the Old Testament as you can go. You are seeing history alive. Things that 99% of us will never see. To enjoy dinner lasting 4-1/2 hours is so foreign to us. We so often complain that instant oatmeal takes to long. People need to learn to live for the dash. The little line between the two dates of our lives. So much we can learn.....
Post a Comment