La Fête Tabaski

Abraham had a son Isaac. He was a special gift from God because his wife Sarah had previously been barren. Isaac was the joy of Abraham’s life. One day, God came to Abraham and told him to go to the mount and sacrifice his son. In obedience, Abraham went to sacrifice his only son. As he raised his knife, an angel of the Lord appeared and told him that God was pleased with his obedience and that his son should be spared. The angel told him to offer a lamb instead.
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We rise at 6am as usual and in the distance hear the call to prayer as we do every morning. Today is different though, it’s Tabaski, the celebration of Abraham’s obedience and God’s commitment. The men dress in their booboos, take their sons and go to pray while the women prepare a grand feast. My host grandfather who never goes anywhere even makes it to the field to pray… The men return and begin to sacrifice the lambs. The lamb is hung over the door frame of my host grandfather’s courtyard. I personally witnessed the sacrifice of 3 lambs… At noon, the food is done and we eat much more than usual. The women finally get dressed in their new outfits, their feet all are decorated with henna. Even the children wear new clothes. Everyone is happy and satisfied… I go with my host dad’s to meet with his students at 3pm. My host mother has prepared “Zacoom” (juice) for them. We all sip and talk and depart to continue in our families activities… My host mother rushes into the courtyard to get me because the women are dancing. They offer me a piece of their matching pagne (fabric) and I join in. We do traditional circle dances and they cannot stop giggling at me…On my way back to my house, my host grandfather calls me over and gives me 4 cuts of meat. I visited with him earlier in the day and drank Zacoom. I thank him with a big smile and give the meat to my host mother for preparation. My host uncle gives my host dad another “cadon” for me- a Fanta! To receive a soda in village is a big treat and I am super surprised. “Barka! Barka!” I yell thanking him in Moorè… At nightfall after dinner, the women and kids of my neighborhood all go out to dance and play. I am too tired to go even after several pleads from my host family. My host dad and I fall asleep in our courtyard listening to the radio… My first Tabaski!