Kalina's Naming Ceremony

Every time I feel I'm familiar with all of the customs of Bangladesh, I learn something new. There are many customs concerning babies. When a baby reaches a "milestone" like rolling over, you celebrate with sweets. After a baby is born, the family hosts a naming ceremony to announce the baby's name publicly and celebrate the arrival of the child. Hasan's mother, Ayesha, told us that this is an important tradition in Bangladesh and that since we've been here so long and we're considered part of their family, it would be proper for us to host a naming ceremony for Kalina.
Last night we had the naming ceremony. The preparations started earlier in the week. Here you invite guests personally, not over the phone or with written invitations. We went door to door inviting many families in the apartment building to please join us. Of course, every time we went to a new home, we were invited inside to chat and have sweets and drinks. Nadeem also invited some of his relatives. Next the cook arrived to plan the menu. Basically it's a traditional menu: rice, salad, goat's meat, sweet rice for dessert, and a spicy yogurt drink. Because I don't eat all of these foods, they also ordered a grilled chicken cooked with yogurt and mild spices.
The cook arrived early yesterday morning for the purpose of slaughtering the goat that would be cooked in Kalina's honor. Nadeem and Hasan's parents went to the garage of our building to watch. Nadeem took pictures of the poor little goat. (I will not be sharing these on the blog! If you're interested, check with Nadeem!) Nadeem said it made him so much more aware of Old Testament times when people regularly sacrificed animals. The tradition here is to say the baby's name while you're killing the goat to protect the baby and bring good luck. As a side note, baby girls only get one goat, but baby boys get two. Hey, at least we saved some money!
The cook then left with the goat to prepare the food. He returned at 8:00 p.m. Meanwhile the two servants cleaned the apartment. The guests started arriving around 7:30. We ate dinner around 9:00 p.m. Everything is done late at night here. Usually we eat dinner no earlier than 10:00. I'm a morning person, so this has been a big adjustment for me. Nadeem and Kalina love nighttime.
Kalina wore a pretty, frilly pink dress that Ayesha bought for her. She looked like a little princess! I wore a red silk outfit. I almost wore a black fancy outfit, but they explained that it's a superstition that if you wear black or white on your joyful occasion it will bring bad luck. (This is why brides here can't wear white.) I'll send photos.
Nadeem and I were concerned about the evening. The naming ceremony really isn't a child centered event. Also, in this culture people regularly grab your baby out of your arms. At her age, Kalina is becoming more aware of strangers and doesn't like new people grabbing her. Sometimes Kalina wants a bottle or rest in the evenings. We just weren't sure how she would handle a party with so many people. We prayed for her, for us and for the party.
Kalina was the belle of the ball! She ate and took a nap right before the event, woke up around 8:00 and got dressed up, and then went to greet the guests. At first her eyes were big as she took in all the activity and people. Then she had a great time! By the end of the night she was smiling and laughing and squealing and having a blast! There were probably around 50 guests, and she enjoyed everyone. She even let a few people hold her for a bit. She lasted until the very end of the party around 10:45 p.m. Then she had a bottle and promptly went to sleep.
We were surprised that the guests brought presents for Kalina and even for me. We had heard that typically people don't bring gifts to this event. Everyone was very kind. It gave me a taste of how we'll feel when we arrive home to our family and friends! We can't wait!!!!
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One disadvantage of being here is difficulty in communicating easily. So many of you post on our blog, and we read and treasure every comment. However, I don't have my address book with me, and you all know that we have troubles with our computer! I wish that we could respond personally to everyone who posts. When we get home, we will!! Today, though, I need to send a quick message to Stephen, a senior at Collins Hill High School whom I have loved for 7 1/2 years. Stephen and everyone reading-don't worry about us! God is taking care of us. Thank you for your prayers. We will see you all SOON with Kalina!!!