Eleven days to that day, which, I hear, celebrates the second most important observance in the Christian Calendar. I share again a few “feelings” on aspects of this all pervasive Christian celebration.
“All-pervasive?” No argument about that! Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Atheist – all in Guyana find a reason to participate in this Christian Festival. “For the children”; “A good year-end time to re-furbish”; “A season of hope for all persuasions” Whatever the excuse, most Guyanese observe Christmas regardless of religion. Christians hold fast that prophecy – The word was made flesh -and dwelt amongst them. I submit that rampant, vulgar commercialism has done a great job in obscuring the Real Christian Reason for the season.
Matured folks like me, especially those still Guyanese to the bone, will reminisce on Christmases past. Amidst the modernity, the technology and the newer sub-cultures which impact on tradition, those over fifty-plus tend to recall “the good old Christmases”. So we come to my views on a “white” Christmas. See, consider whether you appreciate, even share the sentiments.
Caucasian Christmas?
OK, I should cease this thing about “White”, (Or “Black”). By White Christmas I refer to the European/American/Caucasian, traditions and celebration of Christmas.
Which were all imposed on Guyana and the Caribbean – in post slavery and colonial times? Those alien traditions, imagery and practices endured.
Political freedom, cultured creativity and independence and a burgeoning local legacy of newer observances all did and do not seem to thwart the sustained intrusion of Europe especially on how Guyanese and Guyanese Christians observe their treasured year-end “season”. In these days of religious, cultural and national liberation, why should that be?
My view? Well, frankly speaking, to me, it is what the colonisers, the Europeans, “White people”, did to the minds of people of colour. It’s the same syndrome or process which preaches the declaration that Barack Obama, Bob Marley and Mariah Carey are just (or only) “Black”. White folks determine and decide that a half-white person is “Black”. Why? Should the half-white deny or not recognize the reality of the white parent?
On a singular emotive mental, even spiritual level, Guyanese/Caribbean Christmases have never shaken off the alien quite irrelevant aspects and elements of Europe. And even if in contradiction of myself, I say that our Christmas(es) would never be the same (or complete?) without those foreign influences. How colonial can I be?
Natty Santa, Jingle Bells
Over the past three decades, say, we have created, or emphasized, masquerade bands staff parties, Needy Children’s Fund, Natty Rastafari Santas, Donkey Cart Christmas Carollers and even the African Kwanza. All in the grand effort to localize and make Christmas Brown. Or Black!
Black Nationalists, Rastafari and Jordanites contend that since the Baby Jesus was born in Jerusalem he had to be Brown, at the minimum. So soft-hair, blue-eyed Jesuses have turned into Brown and Black Baby Jesuses. That too is now incorporated into our Christmases. Yet to both young and to our oldsters moreso, our Christmas still accepts the alien imagery and touch.
Unfortunately, just take away foreign-oriented Christmas songs and carols, a few jolly old white St. Nicks, Red-Nosed reindeer, silly Pine “Christmas Trees” with snow, the holly and ivy, images of sleighs and chimney and, I submit, the Guyanese Christmas will lose “something”. Something – even if not vital. So much has been done to our minds. As you count down to your own celebration, consider my contention. Okay?
Non-Christmas considerations
Came across an interesting discussion about Islam and the West. Strange views from some Jews: “It’s our God versus their Allah”; “the Bible now contends with the Newspapers and the Word with the World” and “It’s the Middle Eastern Islam versus our Western Christianity and World led by the US”. So are conflicts inevitable? Palestine, Iran? What think you?
The Garbage man and the Mailman/Postgirl will approach for an extra “raise” this week. Consider them. Both are crucial. Take the live, human mailman. Despite on line transactions and money, remittance agencies, the mailman or postgirl knows your Business.
2b) You see after generations, the people’s Christmas songs are sweet!
Is the Guyana Annual 2007-2008 ready?
Lazy Afro-American/Proud Black Nationalist to his White Boss: “You owe me for centuries of slavery. I’m here to collect my great-great-grandfather’s back pay!”
“From this generation?” asks the boss. “Yes. You are living on the legacy and benefits of those dark days” Discuss!
Afro-American as Mayweather knocked out (a game) Hatton: “Black don’t crack!”
‘Til Next Week!
