This week, the doors to the Buffalo Karen Baptist Church opened wide in a beautiful celebration that united the community with the annual Karen Wrist Tying Ceremony.
After the elders gently tied the soft, light white and red string of the second-generation Karen children, the flood gates seemed to open. People lovingly and courteously crowded the tables to be next in line to have the blessing from the elders, often times offering their spot in line for the person behind them.
All members had a chance to participate. The person opposite the elder held the fruit and offerings in one hand, while the elder blessed the wrist by praying aloud and sweeping their fingers over their wrist then gently wrapping the string around it. The fruit was placed from one hand to another and the elder did the same to the opposite wrist. At the end of the blessing, they placed a piece of the blessed fruit on the top of the head to conclude the ritual.
Note from the author: As an American teacher and newcomer to many cultures, I am always excited and grateful to be welcomed into new cultures. While walking into the church, I was greeted by warm smiles by many former students, parents, and even strangers in the community. I felt like I was at home immediately -- especially when I was swarmed by a helpful group of laughing Karen women for wearing my new longyi (a beautiful skirt from Eh Thaw's mom) upside down!
This experience was eye-opening and exhilarating. I've never felt more at home in the city I love by such a wonderful, loving group of people. Even though it's been very few days since the wrist tying, I know I'll wear my new welcoming-sign for many days to come.
The ceremony included over 100 Karen people from Buffalo's west side and other members of the community reaching as far as Rochester, NY. The tying of wrists symbolizes a binding and uniting of the Karen people in spirit from all around the world.
The event began with an elaborate plating of fruits, flowers, and food such as coconut, banana, oranges, carnations, lotus flowers, and rice wrapped in banana leaves. The elders sat on one side of the table as the teenaged generation sat before them in traditional garments to open the ceremony.
All members had a chance to participate. The person opposite the elder held the fruit and offerings in one hand, while the elder blessed the wrist by praying aloud and sweeping their fingers over their wrist then gently wrapping the string around it. The fruit was placed from one hand to another and the elder did the same to the opposite wrist. At the end of the blessing, they placed a piece of the blessed fruit on the top of the head to conclude the ritual.
During the ceremony, traditional music was sung and played by members of the Karen community.
After the wrist tying was complete, a fantastic buffet of food was displayed in the back of the hall and the young ladies and gentlemen of the Karen vanished, only to appear in beautifully adorned dance and traditional outfits.
Note from the author: As an American teacher and newcomer to many cultures, I am always excited and grateful to be welcomed into new cultures. While walking into the church, I was greeted by warm smiles by many former students, parents, and even strangers in the community. I felt like I was at home immediately -- especially when I was swarmed by a helpful group of laughing Karen women for wearing my new longyi (a beautiful skirt from Eh Thaw's mom) upside down!
