New Year 2010

Christmas? Has it really come and gone? You had to look hard to notice out here in Léconi. People do make a lot of noise about New Year celebrations, starting at least a week ahead, but Christmas Day is a day like any other when most people are as likely to go to the field or soak their manioc as any other. However, the Alliance church did make an effort this year. Six people were baptised in the river on the morning of Christmas eve, though sadly few church members turned out to share in the joyous event. The same evening a social event was held with lots of songs and dances presented and a few skits, though none having anything to do with Christmas per se. Far more people turned out for that. Christmas morning there was a special service. It took a long time to get going (starting an hour later than announced) but when it finally did it was a good time of celebration (and by dint of the fact I was preaching I was able to ensure the real meaning of Christmas was proclaimed!).

By then early New Year celebrations were already underway for many others (well, you do perhaps have to test the beer in advance and make sure the loud speakers can blast the night away). It's perhaps the biggest celebration of the year here. Lots of people buy fine new clothes and can be seen wandering round the village/town in them even if they haven't got anywhere specific to go. Somehow people seem to hope that by wearing new clothes on 1^st January the year will then be prosperous for them. So far I think they only winners have been the bars owners, and perhaps the sellers of fire-crackers. Ah well, one of the advantages of living in a distant corner is that the nearest bar is ¼ mile away – well within earshot, but muffled enough once I close all my heavy wooden shutters at night. Though to be honest, I think it is a church 1/3 mile away that outdoes the bar if they have an evening meeting!