Monday, October 29, 2012

Tabaski


Last Friday, we were very fortunate to be invited to a Tabaski celebration in the home of one of Carl's military friends here in Dakar, Mbecke and Khadidja Diaw. The picture above is of Carl, me and Khadidja.

According to the story the Tabaski commemorates the enslavement of Ibrahim (Abraham) to God who ordered him to sacrifice his son Ishmael. At the very point of sacrifice, a sheep was slaughtered in his place.

Tabaski is more than a simple religious event. It is the opportunity to meet with family and loved ones, it is synonymous with sharing and generosity towards the poor and the needy. In a very broad sense, it reminded me of Thanksgiving. Except the main course was mouton or sheep, as we would know it. Our hosts graciously served us sheep in three courses. I think Carl and Matt enjoyed the last one the best as it was served over a bed of rice, soaked in the cooking juices.

It was a lovely day and we enjoyed ourselves tremendously.






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