Tassa!!

I had a really lame day at work on Friday. The entire day I was on the verge of tears out of sheer frustration with my co-workers and the patients I was dealing with. It was one of those days that made me question my being here. When I finally got home from work, all I wanted to do was lay in my hammock, relax and reflect on my crappy day. Then my friend Nadi called and reminded me that I promised to go to a Muslim pre-wedding celebration. I really did not want to go. I just wanted to stay home and wallow in self-pity. But I promised I would go, and I didn't want to break my promise to a friend.

I quickly readied myself and grudgingly left my house to meet up with Nadi. During my walk to Naidi's house I kept thinking up reasons to be able to escape early. I figured if I stayed for a half hour that would satisfy her and then I could return home and focus on my issues.

When we walked into the wedding house, we were immediately welcomed by smiling women who offered us food and drink, and were doing everything in their power to make everyone feel comfortable. I couldn't understand how they could be so happy when they were working so hard. I was surrounded by happiness, but was determined not to let their positivity dissuade me from being angry at the world.

I began making small talk, and soon everyone was offering their services to me. I was given phone numbers to call if I needed anything. I had to write down my address for them because they wanted to bring me food. I met a woman who had been living in Florida for the past 20 years, and she gave me her address in case I needed a place to stay if I ever want to go to Disneyworld. Here I was, surrounded by women who were genuinely interested in making me as comfortable as possible. In spite of myself, I finally gave in and smiled a little.

In Muslim weddings, the first night of the four day celebration is dedicated to “dying” the groom. The women lay down a white sheet and have the groom sit on it with his shirt off. They then proceed to cover him with a turmeric paste to cleanse his soul. They rub this dye over every inch of his body until he is bright yellow. The groom is not allowed to wash the dye from his body until after the wedding on Sunday.

After taking as many pictures of the dying ceremony as possible, I sat down with Nadi to wait for what was next. When nothing happened, we struck up a conversation. Suddenly, we were interrupted by extremely loud, and wonderfully on-beat drumming. I turned to see people running up to dance around the drummers. Nadi explained that his part of the celebration was called the Tassa. It was beautiful, and once again everyone was smiling. I was enjoying sitting in my seat, moving my feet to the music, and watching the women shake their hips in awe. Then, one of the women ran up to me, grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the “dance floor”. I kept telling her that I'd rather watch, that I couldn't dance but she wouldn't hear it. She grabbed my hips, and somehow, miraculously made them move! I finally decided to stop resisting her attempts and began to dance on my own. At first I was really shy, moving as minimally as possible. But soon, the sound of the beating drum and the smiling faces surrounding me made me feel comfortable and I let loose. And I mean, really let loose. I stopped caring what everyone thought and just let the music take over. I danced and danced and smiled and did I mention danced? until I could barely breathe and my entire body was sore. It was so liberating to let my guard down and be completely free. I'm positive I looked like a fool up there, but no one seemed to mind and I didn't either. I left that night feeling like a whole new woman.

It's moments like these where I am truly thankful to be in this country. The moments, where I get to experience the beauty of Guyanese people and the culture they are ever-so willing to share with me. The moments where I feel like less of an outsider, and part of the Guyanese “club”. These are the moments I will take home with me. This is why I came to Guyana.

Peace, love, and dancing!
-Annie