Jan & I went visiting last Wednesday to many Fulani friends’ homes to celebrate the holiday commemorating Abraham’s faith, when he went up the mountain, willing to sacrifice his beloved son. We went bearing gifts of tea, sugar, and banana bread for each household, but we also had a bag of candy along with. This particular holiday is, to the kids, sort of like trick or treat to us. They run up to you and say “Barka da salla” and you respond by saying the same thing and placing a candy or a coin in their expectant little hands. Barka means blessings, but I think the whole phrase together is idiomatic and represents specifically the candy handout on holidays. It’s fun to see the little ones eating the candy, but not especially fun when they mob you and practically knock you over!
We were treated royally, given rice and macaroni and lamb and of course hot tea with sugar. The last home we went to had prepared a bowl full of lamb intestines & tripe, and we had to say no thank you. You feel a bit embarassed, knowing that they are sharing something very special and valuable, but I have learned that it is okay to say no to certain things and they understand. At one of the homes, we had the company of the ram’s head leaning up against the wall:
We were more comfortable with the kids than the ram’s head. Here’s one little boy who had to spend the holiday with his mom in the hospital.
At one of the homes, we were treated to coke, a really special gift. The hostess (I think she’s maybe about 15 but has been married for a couple years already) made sure to shake the bottle up very well before opening it. Jan & I had all we could do to keep from laughing out loud. She thought it was the right thing to do.
We had a lovely afternoon, visiting with friends, letting them know we cared enough to take the time to be with them.
