Happy 2010! What a blessing to welcome another year! For me, holidays are an opportunity to reconnect with family and the culture (or cultures) that link us together. Many of the rituals I observe around the holidays are a combination of the North American and Haitian subcultures that I am a part of. January 1st, however, not only marks the beginning of a new year, but also the anniversary of Haiti’s independence in 1804. To celebrate their freedom, the former slaves prepared and ate Soup Joumou (a rich squash soup that slaves were once forbidden to eat) to their hearts’ content. Over 200 years later, their descendants maintain the tradition…it’s just not a New Year without a bowl of soup joumou!
As New Year’s day unfolded yesterday, I was reminded all day of the power of tradition, proudly passed on through kettles full of pumpkin, spices, vegetables, and various meats, often prepared and stirred together through a group effort. Whether they were American-born, living in Haiti, or diaspora away from the homeland, I smiled as I heard and read about the compatriotes around the world who were enjoying their bowl of soup. I hope we all took a moment to reflect on the meaning of that freedom meal our ancestors enjoyed over two centuries ago. Some may question whether their hopes of true independence have become a reality for the country, and I often struggle with that question myself. But I found the most important question for me to ask this new year was: what am I doing with my own independence? I’ve had the chance to learn, travel, and watch technology evolve through experiences my parents and grand-parents never had access to. I have opportunities now that were once not available to people in the country I live in simply on the basis of their skin color. True, independence may not look like many of us wish it could, but the story is not over. And perhaps independence is a journey, not a destination. I just want to make sure I play my part at this juncture of the history book. After all, to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).
Just some of my thoughts today. I hear some left-over soup calling my name…Bon Ane!
Beautiful. Happy new year cuz.
Good thoughts, Lau!