She’s sort of confined for a couple of weeks. Seemed in high spirits even though she’s only had the four walls for a week and there’s another ten days to go.
It’s a one in a lifetime experience but I use the term confined as it can refer to a jail/gaol or period after a birth. Only yesterday I was referring to how the invention of the printing press had helped release us from the diktats of the priests, at least in Europe.
More later.
On ‘coming of age’
I collected Kav from school to visit the dentist, followed by a treat and a shopping trip.
I have no control
I love our conversations. Her English is developing at a pace.
This week we discussed: ‘I’m being positive not negative’. I’m not sure where that came from — probably from one of mother hen nags.
Separately.. Coming of age, old man (grandad/dad) ‘going round the houses’ eggs, mammals, babies, pregnancy, (not too much detail mind) eventually using the local term ‘date’ only for madam to say: ‘you mean period.’ I’ve so much to learn
It happens but once in a lifetime
It takes a fair amount of preparation.
The proud father.
Some are already finding it all too much
Satish explains that both he and his wife are from villages where it’s still very important to celebrate this event
On the day itself he rushed home
It’s now a couple of weeks later on a specially chosen auspicious day. Hundreds of family and friends are expected. There will be a ceremony, gift giving, photos and a slap up meal.
I think that close proximity to the only foreigner at the event might be what’s worrying them.
It’s filling up…… it’s like waiting for a performance.
It’s ….. Sukrutha, Satish daughter’s coming of age, traditionally in villages it would be very very significant as it would signify that a young woman was ready for marriage.
it’s still very important for Sukrutha and an added advantage is, she can now wear big earrings. 🙂
Manjula would have been very sorry to miss this important event in a girl’s life. When Manjula reaches the same age. She had no idea what to expect and when it happened knew absolutely nothing about it. It was an altogether different experience. There was no family there let alone a gathering. She was working away from home as a maid and her madam spotted what was happening, cleaned her up and explained that she’d started her periods.
It obviously came as a major shock to Manjula. What a difference with a stable family and caring parents.
Farrell Factoid
A girls’ first period, known by some as a ‘date’, would traditionally signify that she’s ready for marriage. Clearly not the case nowadays but still incredibly significant stage as she becomes a woman. The celebration of the event is a great opportunity to bring people together and create community, still especially important in village life.
Manjula’s very different background meant she was already out working at someone’s home separated from her family and without prior knowledge of what was to happen. Where was her mum in all this? Look at how early she was working away from home all on her own.
Me and MYCycle 