Tabaski

This is a week full of fetes--holidays or parties--in Burkina Faso. Tabaski was celebrated in Monday here though I have heard that some places celebrated Tuesday or another day. For the last several weeks my family had said it would be on Sunday the 7th but the night before they said that it actually was going to be on Monday. It is an Islamic holiday celebrated 70 days after Ramadan so it does vary every year and doesnt line up with our calendar. It just seemed very strange that no one knew what day to celebrate until a day or two beforehand. Anyways, Tabaski is the Feast of the Sacrifice or the Fete du Muton as my family called it. The holiday is based on the Old Testament story where God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son but he was allowed to substitue a sheep at the last minute. So how is it celebrated you ask? Well we did lots of sacrificing of sheep!!

Everyone --thats all 1200 people that live in my village-- met up in a center open area of town to pray. The men were in the front and the women lined up behind them with children mixed in with parents and some playing in the way back. Everyone prayed together and I stood and watched the community. Afterwards people mingled around, showed off their fancy new clothes they had made for the fete, enjoyed juices and candies that kids were selling. It kind of felt like fourth of July or another holiday where people are hanging out. I reconnected with my host family and headed home with them. It was time for the slaughter. My family of about 50ish people slaughtered three goats and one sheep right in our courtyard basically in front of my house. The men sharpened their knives and the children helped hold down the animals while their necks were slit. They were then cut open and all the parts were divided up and such. I tried watching most of it but the blood got to be a bit much after awhile. It wasnt nearly as bad as I had thought it might be. The cutting up of the animals seemed to be the mens job while the women prepared other food including yams, rice, and vegetables. There was so much food prepared!!! People seemed to eat throughout the day and then in the afternoon the children were given platters with meat chunks on to take to the neighbors, relatives, village leaders, etc. Many people also came to our house to give my host dad a piece of meat. It seems like a big part of the holiday is sharing with those that are important to you. I was a little grossed out by the amount of raw meat that was being passed around and the shaking of hands that went with this because you of course must greet everyone that comes but at the same time loved seeing the connections between community members!!

Later in the afternoon people bathed and changed clothes again into another even nicer outfit and the children went out in groups to ask for a cadeau or gift. They sang a little song and clapped when they came to our house and my dad or someone else would give them small coins. I gave out candy which was also appreciated but I think they preferred money!! The adults also went out to visit friends and I think later at night there was a big dance party. I was tired at that point and had to long bike ride and class the next day so skipped out on the night activities. I did hear music playing long into the night which is unusual in a village without electricity!!

Tommorrow is Indepence Day and Saturday is the tenth anniversary since a well-known journalist was killed so many of the schools are closed all week. I have no other plans for celebration since I still have class but my the kids in my family are excited for the vacation!!

It has gotten much colder here though nowhere like the snow and cold I am hearing about in Wisconsin!! We had about four days that were really chilly and I needed to wear pants and sweatshirt. At night it got down to mid 50s which doesnt sound cold but its 40 degrees colder than what it has been basically every day since I arrived. I think the cold streak has passes since the last two nights were not as chilly.

It doesnt really feel like the American holidays are approaching other than the change in weather. I cant believe Christmas is only two weeks away!! I am a little sad about being away from my family during this time but am hoping that we will be able to celebrate together. Plus I will be busy preparing to move to my site the next day!!

I know I have said it before but I want to reiterate how much I appreciate your cards!! I would love to send lots of letters back but its really hard for me right now because I make about four dollars a day for food, internet, necessities, and postage costs about 1.75 dollars!! I am trying to get some letters out though and will try to send more once I get to site. Please keep sending mail because I love to hear what else is going on in the world!!