A Baptism

Today I went to a baptism. Baptisms are a really big deal here and a lot of people attend. First, we sat while the religious men gathered around the baby in a circle and prayed. The baby is about two months old at this point but no one says it’s name out loud until after the ceremony. At the same time the name is said a sheep is killed. I think it probably has something to do with Abraham willing to kill his son and killing a sheep instead. Then they passed out little sweet pieces of bread in decorated bags, and we each got a bowl of millet and yogurt type topping. It was pretty tasty. Then they took the baby inside and shaved it’s head so it would have a clean start.

            Then there was a very very very long boring period. We sat and talked to people and danced a little with the women as they prepared lunch. I took a little nap on a mat under the tree for a while. Then the mother of the baby came in all dressed up with so much makeup and fake hair she looked like a walking doll. It was amazing. All of the women began dancing around her and took her to her bedroom and danced around her in there too. Then we sat around for a while again.

            Finally, we had lunch around 4:30. It was really good though. We ate the sheep they slaughtered on top of rice that was flavored really well almost like Chinese. There were hard boiled eggs, olives, onions, and carrots mixed in with the rice and it was awesome. After lunch they passed around small cups of soda, one for each person. I bet that cost them as much as the meal. I hung out for a little while longer chatting with some of the family and then left to spend time with my own.

            In America I think for Catholics at least Baptisms are more personal. It is more of the immediate family and not the whole family. Also the mother of the baby is the center of attention here more than the baby. I think at home the baby gets more attention. The last difference I notice at all events is the total lack of snacks. No chips, pretzels, dips, or candies. They just can’t afford it and food is such an important commodity here I wonder if they would even understand the concept of eating for pleasure or just to pass time rather than for life.