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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

Traditional Guyanese Pepperpot tabled with home-made bread

By Alisa Lashley

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T is always said that there is no Christmas like a Guyanese Christmas, and with the commencement of the season, one would find that a Guyanese home may be in a bit of a messy confusion as Christmas cleaning begins, and the ovens are ‘popping’ with many delicacies to tickle our taste buds.

Let’s consider the refreshing flavour of the traditional sorrel drink, the energetic sharpness of ginger beer, the spiciness of the Pepperpot or the vibrant taste of rum embedded in the black cake.

The Guyanese holiday season would be truly incomplete without our holiday traditional foods. Just the smell or taste of these foods can invoke emotions and memories of Christmas. It is with good reason then that

the tradition of crafting these delicacies continues.

In the olden Christmas days , during colonial British Guiana, which is before the invention of the electric stove, folks on the coastlands of the British colony, prepared their pepperpot somewhat like the Indigenous peoples in the hinterland from whom the dish was learnt.

It was cooked over wood fires or on coal pots but that was a long time ago, and

even though the method of preparing pepperpot has been modernised using electric stoves and pressure pots, the basic elements remain the same.

Pepperpot is one of Guyana’s popular national dishes, which has its origins in the heart of the hinterlands where many of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples reside. For many Guyanese, pepperpot is prepared and consumed mainly at Christmas time,

while for others it is enjoyed all year round.

PAMELA’S TRADITIONAL PEPPERPOT Pamela Harris Lashley, in an interview with this publication, listed her techniques to making what she terms a traditional Guyanese Christmas Pepperpot.

“I would usually season my meat, a day or two before

the day I plan on making the pepperpot with ‘marrid’ man pork, celery, pepper and other traditional seasonings.

I would then add some fresh leaf thyme, spice and clove on the meat then the cassareep, mix it up, add water and then put the pot on the stove to boil,” she said.

She also expressed that in her opinion it is always better to boil the pepperpot meat instead of pressuring it.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

‘Good Ole’ Guyanese

Christmas ...

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Meanwhile, the traditional taste of sorrel has its origins in West Africa.

Known as Roselle or less by its scientific name “Hibiscus Sabdariffa”, sorrel is a species of the hibiscus family.

It bears annually, maturing in about six months and growing about seven to eight feet. It is probably a known fact by now, that we will never encounter one standard recipe that is used for making the classic sorrel drink.

It is those types of vague and unquantified secret ingredients that make it difficult to replicate someone else’s recipe, unless such a person offers it to you.

Hailing from Buxton, on the East Coast of Demerara, Patricia Smith, speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, listed her techniques to making what she terms, the perfect Ruby Red Sorrel Drink.

She said that, after receiving the fresh fruits, she first removes the seed and pro-

ceeds to wash the fruit, later placing it in a pot with water where they are carried to a boil.

Smith then adds cloves and other spices to the mixture. Once the mixture has boiled and turned red, the flame is removed and the mixture is then left to cool for about 20 minutes. Once it has cooled, the drink is ‘sugared’, strained and bottled.

Patricia also noted that sometimes she adds rum to the mixture for that extra Guyanese Christmas flair.

Further, making the perfect black cake is considered a rare skill that requires a perfect balance between the cake’s texture, flavour and colour, with both amateur and professional bakers undertaking this task with the utmost seriousness.

Skilled bakers usually soak the fruit that they will use for their black cakes months in advance, weighing and measuring each ingredient as carefully as if it is a scientific

A glass of Sorrel Juice served with ice

experiment. Anyone who has had any experience in black-cake baking considers himself/ herself an authentic black cake maker, and is a subject to be raised in a circle of bakers.

One would hear the boastings and heckling as persons try to prove themselves the “top black cake experts”. Making black cake is considered a labour of love, and an achievement to indeed be boastful about. And with the range of mixers and food processors on the market, baking the black cake is now as easy as it would ever be.

GWENDYLN’S PERFECT BLACK CAKE Mrs. Gwendyln Forde, in an interview

with the Guyana Chronicle, listed her techniques to making what she terms the perfect black cake.

“The texture is very important. Usually, the consistency of any black cake will make it either a good or bad treat. Recipes and techniques for black cake vary according to personal preferences. This cake is, therefore, an extremely special one. It’s one of those cakes where crucial steps, like how important a low baking temperature is, or how to make the burnt sugar to colour the cake, hold extreme importance, and if not done correctly, could be like the Grinch ‘stealing Christmas’, but in the form of a cake,” Forde stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

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“ D r i e d fruits,” she went on to explain, “usually work well with this cake. You can grind the fruits, using a traditional food mill or a blender. The blender has the grinding power to get the fruits to a smooth consistency, and it does so quickly. Grind your fruits, then soak with rum and wine,” she recalled.

She continued: “An alternative method is to soak the fruits whole, and grind when ready to bake the cake. No method is wrong here; just different, and based on preference. If the fruits weren’t soaked for months prior, an alternative would be to soak the fruits in wine for about 30 minutes or more, and allow it to cool, then soften and combine with rum. This is not a crumb-type cake; it resembles more of a pudding, so a high temperature is not needed to cook the cake. Some people bake this in a bain-marie (water bath) to steam the cake. You can bake the cake anywhere between 250-300 degrees, and this temperature will determine how long to bake the cake. For example one can bake at 250 degrees for two hours, or 300 degrees for one- and-a-half hours.”

GRANDPA’S GINGER BEER And what is black cake without some good old ginger beer. The delicious, brewed, fermented beverage that we all know and love – first appeared around the mid-1700s in England.

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A slice of the traditional Guyanese Black Cake

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

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It was initially made as a fermented alcoholic beverage using ginger, sugar and water.

For the preparation of what Patricia Smith described as her grandfather’s traditional ginger beer recipe.

It all starts with fresh ginger that is washed and peeled. Smith e x - plained that there are a few options for the next stage in the process. The ginger may either be placed in a blender or grated. After that, water is added in proportion to the amount of ginger that was prepared. Spices and cloves are then added to the mixture, not forgetting the small piece of orange peel.

A small bucket/container is used to hold the ginger water mixture. “You just add a little rice to it,” Smith said.

The rice is added to the mixture to aid in bringing the ginger beer to the surface and allows it to ripen faster.

As the holiday season draws close and will soon come to an end, the memories of the scents and ‘taste’ of the season will remain with us until next Christmas comes along. It is therefore without a doubt that the varying traditional recipes passing from generation to generation will forever remain a legacy and like Dave Martins says, “We Own”.

A glass of home-made Guyanese Ginger Beer

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

Christmas C

HRISTMAS is celebrated on December 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25—Christmas Day—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

HOW DID CHRISTMAS START? The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days.

The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

In Germany, people honoured the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday.

Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to s t a y inside.

SATURNALIA In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honour of Saturn, the god TURN TO PAGE 9►

GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDA0Y, DECEMBER 16, 2020

History of FROM PAGE 8►

of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.

Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honouring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra’s birthday was the most sacred day of the year.

IS CHRISTMAS REALLY THE DAY JESUS WAS BORN? In the early years of Christianity, Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly

believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century.

By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of Christmas had spread all the way to Scandinavia. Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 to 14 days after the 25th. This is because Western churches use the Gregorian Calendar, while Eastern Churches use the Julian Calendar, which is 13 to 14 days behind the Gregorian Calendar. Both Western and Eastern churches celebrate Epiphany or Three Kings Day 12 days after their own respective Christmases. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated.

By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today’s Mardi Gras. Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the “lord of misrule” and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined “debt” to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020 FROM PAGE 9►

Christmas Facts * Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. There are about 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the United States, and trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold. * In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous—a lot like today’s Mardi Gras parties. * When Christmas was cancelled: From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and law-breakers were fined five shillings. * Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870. * The first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in Captain John Smith’s 1607 Jamestown settlement. * Poinsettia plants are named after Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico, who brought the red-and-green plant from Mexico to America in 1828. * The Salvation Army has been sending Santa Claus-clad donation collectors into the streets since the 1890s. * Rudolph, “the most famous reindeer of all,” was the product of Robert L. May’s imagination in 1939. The copywriter wrote a poem about the reindeer to help lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department store. * Construction workers started the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition in 1931.

WHEN CHRISTMAS WAS CANCELLED In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe.

When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.

The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings.

By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favour, including Christmas. In fact, Christmas wasn’t declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.

WASHINGTON IRVING REINVENTS CHRISTMAS It wasn’t until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centred day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s piqued American interest in the holiday?

The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During that time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city’s first police force in response to a Christmas riot. That catalysed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.

In 1819, best-selling author, Washington Irving, wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent., a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house. The sketches featured a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving’s mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status. Irving’s fictitious celebrants enjoyed “ancient customs,” including the crowning of a Lord of Misrule. Irving’s book, however, was not based on any holiday celebration he had attended—in fact, many historians say that Irving’s account actually “invented” tradition by implying that it described the true customs of the season.

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL Also around that time, English author, Charles Dickens, created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. The story’s message-the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind-struck powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.

The family was also becoming less disciplined and more sensitive to the emotional

needs of children during the early 1800s. Christmas provided families with a day when they could lavish attention-and gifts-on their children without appearing to “spoil”

them.

As Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed.

People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards and gift-giving.

Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.

WHO INVENTED SANTA CLAUS? The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back to a monk named St. Nicholas who was born in Turkey around 280 A.D.. St. Nicholas gave away all of his inherited wealth and travelled the countryside helping the poor and sick, becoming known as the protector of children and sailors.

St. Nicholas first entered American popular culture in the late 18th century in New York, when Dutch families gathered to honour the anniversary of the death of “Sint Nikolaas” (Dutch for Saint Nicholas), or “Sinter Klaas” for short. “Santa Claus” draws his name from this abbreviation.

In 1822, Episcopal minister Clement Clarke Moore wrote a Christmas poem called “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas,” more popularly known today by its first line: “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.” The poem depicted Santa Claus as a jolly man who flies from home to home on a sled driven by reindeer to deliver toys.

The iconic version of Santa Claus as a jolly man in red with a white beard and a sack of toys was immortalised in 1881, when political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, drew on Moore's poem to create the image of Old Saint Nick we know today.

(History.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

The St. George’s Cathedral (Delano Williams photo)

Pandemic not stopping church celebrations

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By Jared Liddell

LTHOUGH t h e COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected normal operations, the churches in Guyana have decided not to let the pandemic stop their usual Christmas celebrations.

The Christmas season is one of the most widely celebrated seasons in Guyana’s culture. From the music to the Pepperpot and even the Christmas Eve church services -- these are all fixtures of a typical Guyanese Christmas.

Many persons anticipate the feeling of spending the first few minutes of Christmas morning or even the first few hours in the House of God, in remembrance of the day that is observed as the birth of Jesus Christ.

During the Christmas

An internal picture of the St. George’s Cathedral (Delano Williams photo)

season, the Christian community usually hosts several

activities, including concerts, carolling and even outreaches

to share joy in the festive season.

The annual celebrations bring a feeling of family and

togetherness that many persons look forward to.

In an interview with this publication, Pastor Wilbert Lee of the First Assembly of God Church has been making plans to move forward with some of the usual Christmas celebrations.

He said although the church would only be able to facilitate 25 per cent of the usual capacity of its membership, that will not hamper the Christmas services and celebrations.

The church has been known to put on several eye-catching and intricate dance pieces as well as musical performances from some of the top gospel artistes in Guyana, including Saiku Andrews and Kester D. Additionally, the church’s choir and drama team also shine in this season as they entertain and remind the congregation of the reason for the season.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDA0Y, DECEMBER 16, 2020 FROM PAGE 12►

NEW PERSPECTIVE Pastor Lee said the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significantly new perspective on how local churches can operate.

He said while the church now operates at a 25 per cent capacity, there has been a significant advantage in terms of the church’s reach.

“COVID-19 has brought a new perspective. We have been doing virtual church for quite some time but we have been able to maximise it during this period and have greater reach than when we had the regular services. We have people who tune into the service as far as India, some of the countries in Africa. We have people from Nigeria, Ghana; we even have had people tune in from Geneva. So while COVID-19 has restricted the number of persons who can attend physical services, we have been able to reach people far and wide, given the fact that they can stay in the comfort of their homes and view the programmes online,” Pastor Lee explained.

However, he noted that one of the major activities the church is known for is its annual Christmas carolling, which takes place from the balcony of the church’s’ Generation Next building, D'Urban Street Wortmanville, has been put on the side-line this year.

This, he said is to ensure the safety of the members of the choir who take part in the activity, as well as compliance with the COVID-19 preventative guidelines.

Pastor Lee emphasised that the church will be having its normal Christmas Eve and other services in compliance with the COVID-19 Scenes from First Assembly of God’s 2018 Christmas Eve Service

Carolling at the First Assembly of God’s Christmas Eve Service 2018

Guidelines.

He reminded that the Christmas season is a time for persons to reflect on the joy and peace brought to the world by the birth of Jesus.

“The reason that we celebrate Christmas is because of the joy that Christ has brought to this world and so my message is to encourage people to spend it safely and to focus on Christ because he came to seek and to save the lost and to make life better so while we go through it and we are somewhat indoor most of the time, it is a good time to reflect on his goodness and how he has not just blessed us as individuals but also our country as a whole,” said Pastor Lee. CREATIVITY AND INNOVATIVENESS Meanwhile, Bishop of the Anglican Churches of Guyana and Suriname, Charles Davidson said that “Creativity and innovativeness” in the operation of local churches has been birthed from the pandemic.

He further stated that while the season is going to be different in many ways, he hopes persons hold on to the idea of Jesus Christ bringing joy, peace, hope and love to the lives of all.

Bishop Davidson said the annual tradition in the Anglican Church is not one of much glitz and glamour but one of remembrance of the birth of Jesus.

The Anglican Church which includes the St. George’s Cathedral facilitates a Christmas Eve Eucharist or Mass, and a Eucharist or Mass on Christmas Day. TURN TO PAGE 14►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

Pandemic not stopping church...

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“People look forward to going to church at Christmas Eve; it’s a tradition to spend that time in the house of God then go home and do the usual Christmas celebrations and we have not stopped that this year. During the service, there is the blessing of the Crèche; the Crèche represents the manger where Jesus was born. And this is significant for the Anglican church and for all Christians, so even though there is the pandemic, we will still be moving to keep this tradition going,” said Bishop Davidson.

HOPE He further stated that for this period, “Hope” should be the watchword for all Guyanese, reminding that while COVID-19 came with several challenges and setbacks, it will not be here forever.

Bishop Davidson said that persons should think of the joy the birth of Jesus brings to their lives and should aspire to make the most of their situations.

“Obviously, those people who have lost loved ones, it’s going to be a bitter- sweet Christmas but they can still hold onto the fact that at some point they will be able to rejoice and appreciate and remember their loved ones who have passed during this time. Additionally, we have to work to make sure that peace prevails in Guyana and that people develop a sense of respect for each other and helping each other. This is a season where all Guyanese enjoy unity and even in this year, I hope that that continues,” said the Bishop.

Meanwhile, the conference of the Seventh-Day Adventists said while Christmas in their church is mainly conservative, the body organises several activities for the festive season.

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some of the items at the 2018 Christmas Eve service

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Pandemic not stopping church...

Annually, the collective Seventh-Day Adventist Churches organises several senior parties and children concerts as treats for it’s over 63,040 members.

Executive secretary of the conference, Jumoul Sancho, said that in this period, the Seventh-Day Adventist church is looking to promote the theme “Stronger in adversity, transforming lives for eternity”.

He said that the citizens of Guyana should enjoy the Christmas season and stay committed to resilience and strength during this period.

“These are adverse times and even during this Christmas we can show that we are stronger, we are resilient and we cannot just make it through this bit, we can enjoy, we wish they remember to show love, give to the homeless, the poor, that we share undeserving with pure motives and we remember that Jesus who came will be coming back asking us to take those,” said Sancho.

He further said that for the Collective Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Christmas is about giving back to the community, in a way that could lead to personal, spiritual and national development.

On December 19, the conference has mobilised persons to distribute gifts in the form of books to a significant number of homes across Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

Christmas around the world

A KFC in Japan is decked out in Christmas decor in 2016 (Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock)

Santa figures in the Philippines (Dondi Tawatao/REUTERS)

Christmas is a time of celebration and festivity around the world, and there are many vibrant and unique ways of celebrating the holidays. Of course, every individual family has its own holiday tradition, but many places have common customs.

From rum-soaked desserts to daz-

zling Christmas markets, here are the many fascinating ways that Christmas is celebrated around the globe.

People in the Philippines celebrate Christmas for five months The Christmas season in the Philippines lasts for almost half the year.

Decorations start going up in Septem-

ber and the holiday fervor doesn't end until the first Sunday in January. Many people spruce up their homes with paper lanterns called "parols" and eat a huge family meal on Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve.

MANY PEOPLE IN JAPAN LIKE TO EAT KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN ON CHRISTMAS In Japan, Christmas is celebrated in a more secular way than in other predominantly Christian countries. It’s actually considered a romantic day for couples, and many Japanese families treat themselves to what has become the traditional Japanese Christmas meal: a bucket of KFC fried chicken.

Santa gives a gift to a child in Finland (Lehtikuva/REUTERS)

Many Finnish people celebrate Christmas with a crown of candles and a trip to the sauna In Finland, one of the main events of the holiday season is St. Lucia Day on December 13.

On this date, the eldest girl in each family dons a white robe and a crown of candles before serving her family buns, cookies, coffee, or mulled wine.

On Christmas Eve, many Finnish families visit the sauna to relax or go to cemeteries to remember loved ones. For Christmas lunch, the traditional meal is a porridge containing a hidden almond, though it's likely this originated in Sweden, according to the University of Helsinki. Whoever finds the almond will have good luck for the rest of the year.

Paper crowns are a common tradition for Brits (Shutterstock)

IN THE UK, STOCKINGS ARE HUNG FROM THE END OF BEDS Rather than hanging Christmas stockings over the fireplace, families in the UK typically hang them at the foot of their beds. Paper crowns are typically worn at Christmas dinner and Christmas crackers – paper tubes that explode with confetti and prizes when pulled – make for lighthearted fun around the holidays. Boxing Day falls on December 26 and is a bit like Black Friday in the US. TURN TO PAGE 17►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDA0Y, DECEMBER 16, 2020

People release lanterns during a Christmas celebration (AP Images)

CHRISTMAS IN CROATIA MEANS CLEANING YOUR SHOES AND AVOIDING KRAMPUS Many families in Croatia celebrate Christmas with an Advent wreath made of straw or evergreen. The wreath has four differently colored candles that symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love. Children in Croatia make sure to clean their boots and place them by the window for St. Nicholas to fill with treats. However, naughty kids might only receive a few golden twigs from the Christmas monster, Krampus.

Christmas lights shine over a street in central Athens in 2005 (AP Images)

Greek people might keep a fire burning during Christmas to ward off holiday goblins Greece is primarily a Greek Orthodox nation, and people often attend midnight church services and observe an Advent fast during the holidays. Families might also sprinkle holy water from a basil-wrapped cross to ward off the “kallikantzaroi,” which are evil spirits that creep into homes via the chimney and cause mischief. Keeping a fire burning for the twelve days of Christmas is also a good way to prevent the kallikantzaroi from troubling you.

Christmas traditions in Greece also include unwrapping gifts brought by Saint Basil, munching on treats like baklava and spiced bread, and caroling.

It’s not winter in Australia (AP Images)

CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRALIA IS OFTEN CELEBRATED ON THE BEACH If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas in Australia, you might have to wait until winter weather hits in July – most of the country is bathed in balmy temps during the holidays.

Accordingly, Australians frequently celebrate Christmas with a lunchtime barbecue on the beach. Friends and family gather to indulge in prawns, lobster, and sweets before playing a game of cricket or taking a dip.

People watch as fireworks explode in the sky in Buenos Aires as part of Christmas and New Year festivities (Marcos Brindicci/REUTERS)

IN ARGENTINA, PEOPLE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH FIREWORKS Argentinians like to celebrate Christmas with a bang. Fireworks are typically launched at midnight on Christmas Eve after a late dinner. Some people continue the festivities and attend overnight parties. For children, families often light paper lanterns and send them into the night sky on Christmas Eve.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, WEDNESDA0Y, DECEMBER 16, 2020

Nostalgia

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and the dying art of Christmas cards

Entrepreneur, Traceyann Massay, poses for a selfie, with her ‘card shrine’ on full display in the background

By Rehana Ahamad

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HEN I was growing up in Novar, Mahaicony, my grandmother Zabeda and my late aunty Doll always maintained a beautiful showcase corner for the many Christmas cards they would receive, year after year, after year. Come to think of it, it was almost an untold, unexplained law to not discard any of those cards. They were treasures, it seemed.

‘Twine lines’ would be strung on nails and the lovely Christmas cards, much like laundry, would be hung in a little nook for all to see. At one point, I remember the twine cutting under pressure, and in an instant, cards scattered on the living room floor. I was probably about eight at that time, and I loved to read. I would read everything that crossed my path; I still do this, mind you. Nonetheless, that day, I sat on the floor and read in excess of 45 cards, mostly Christmas cards, one by one. They were all from relatives overseas; aunts and uncles that I had only heard stories about, but had never seen. I recall some of the cards being even older than me at that time; the designs were captivating and the words melted my young heart. I understood, in that moment, why my aunt and grandmother held on to those things. They really were treasures. Unfortunately, the tradition of those treasures has been lost with the time.

As I sit here at my desk at midnight, typing this article, I am becoming overly nostalgic. I wish I had photographs to see for myself, and share with you, our readers. I wish I was able to get actual glimpses of what those cards looked like. I wish I was able to hold them, smell them, and read the heartening little messages they contained.

In the 26 years that I have been on this planet, I have only ever received one Christmas card; one! It was from my aunt Renu in Canada. Unfortunately, my mild hoarder personality clashes with my mother’s need to discard of old things. I still remember how much I cried the day she burned my typewriter. I might even still have some lingering PTSD from that incident; it wasn’t easy to stand there and watch that piece of history turn to ashes.

Well, if I’m being honest, it took several days to completely burn, but still, it was tragic.

For as long as I can remember, I have desperately tried to hold on to things that face threats of extinction.

Some personalised handmade gift items that Ms. Massay makes

I have such a nostalgic personality that I keep old perfume bottles; don’t judge me. Here’s the thing, I never use the same fragrance more than once, so every scent is like a time machine; it sends me back to the period of my life where I flaunted a particular fragrance. For instance, a whiff of those AVON cucumber-scented body mists transports me back to my days of attending Covent Garden Secondary School; a back-bencher, surrounded by my dearest friends, laughing non-stop during our lunch breaks.

Unfortunately, the wonderful scent that is Gucci Bloom has been tainted by this Jumanji-like year of 2020. If I decide to procreate, smelling that Gucci perfume will be a reminder of stories to tell my grandkids – the horrors of forgetting to wear my mask

or wash my hands every few seconds.

Truth be told, I don’t fear changes, I fear things being lost – traditions, memories, photographs, etc. There are so many things that I don’t wish to see fade with time; one such thing is the tradition of sending hardcopy cards, especially at Christmas.

The question of whether Christmas cards are becoming obsolete has been bothering me for the past few years, but I am now a tad bit relieved, having met Ms. Traceyann Massay, a creative, passionate and vibrant young woman who shares my love for Christmas cards. So much so, that she has a little card shrine of her own.

THE REINVENTION MISSION

BY TRACEYANN MAS- SAY The Business Management student of the Uni-

Some of the generic Christmas cards that Ms. Massay has been working on for the season

versity of Guyana has started utilizing her creativity and business talents to reinvent the tradition of gifting hardcopy holiday cards.

“Giving and receiving cards is a dying art form,” Massay asserted. She explained that by way of her business, she wants to reinvent and reignite people’s love for personalised cards and other gifts. ‘Handcrafting with Traceyann’ was established in 2017, with the mission of doing just that.

The 37-year-old business woman believes that while continued technological advancements are necessary, Guyanese should be mindful, and not allow this new dispensation to take a negative toll on decades-old traditions.

“In this age, a person could easily send an email, or a Facebook message. I want to bring back the sentiments attached to cards and gifts; that personal touch, the genuine love that one would feel when they receive a card made just for them; something that they can literally hold to their hearts,” Massay related.

In crafting her pieces, the businesswoman said that she takes the time to speak with the person giving the gift, so as to understand the preferences, likes and dislikes of its recipient.

“For instance, if I am making a Christmas card for a gardener, although it is a Christmas card and it will be Christmassy, it will still feature something that the receiver loves and holds dear. Perhaps a little garden at the corner or in the background or something; there really are endless possibilities when it comes to personalised gifts,” Massay said.

Reflecting on her three years in business, Massay believes that her mission is well on its way to being a success, with more and more persons gravitating towards sending personalised greeting cards and other gifts.

“People love the idea of a card or an item being made just for them. They love to see their names on a card; they love to see cards that contain things that they love; their favourite colours, their

favourite things; cards that are a reflection of who they are as a person,” Massay said.

BEGINNING TO PICK UP She noted that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, business for the holiday season has started to pick up, and her customer-base is ever-expanding.

“It seems as though people are once again falling in love with Christmas cards,” Massay stated.

With the constant evolution of society, Massay is committed to staying on top of her game. She is determined not to allow technology to hinder her mission of reigniting Guyana’s love for hardcopy greeting cards, particularly at Christmas.

“The plan is to stay on top of my game and as such I am constantly on the look-out for new machines, and other craft supplies that can enhance my creations. I am particularly keen as it relates to new designs, colours, and paper available to make greeting cards, especially at Christmas.

“I had discovered the art of quilling. I was so impressed that a simple sheet of paper makes such amazing things,” a smiling Massay reflected. ‘Quilling’ or paper filigree is an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs.

“I have been crafting from a young age, with never a thought about selling my products. Over the years, thanks to family and friends, I have the opportunity to sell my products, and to analyze customer preferences and build business strategies. I have moved from printed thank you cards to stamped thank you cards to greetings cards, wedding invitations, even large paper flowers and decorations,” Massay said.

Seeing Ms. Massay’s dedication has provided me with some amount of hope that all is not lost, and perhaps years from now, I too will have a Christmas card shrine of my own, one that can warm the hearts of future generations of my family, and provide inspiration for the continuation of gifting hardcopy greeting cards.

If you want to create card corner of your own, Ms. Massay can be contacted via cellphone: 641-6655, or on Instagram @Handmadequilledcards.

This Christmas, I will keep my twine on hand, anticipating the gift of cards that I can use to start my card corner. Merry Christmas, Guyana! Remember to mask up, sanitise and stay alive.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

In this December 27, 1955 photo, inmates of the Palms jived and zegged to the stains of steel band music. They were entertained at a Christmas party sponsored by the management of the charitable institution. While the elders were living in the spacious lawns in the compound, 31 children were presented with gifts in their dormitory by Santa Claus. The event was attended by senior Government officials while music was provided by Kaitukian Steel Pan

Children pensively admire the many toys and Christmas delights on display at a Water Street Stall (December, 1980)

In this December 28, 1966 photograph, Governor-General, Sir David Rose, is introduced by Minister of Housing and Reconstruction, Neville Bisember, to the Matron of the Palms, Mrs. S. Bascom. Sir David Rose, accompanied by Lady Rose, visited the home for the aged on Christmas Eve. Also in the photograph are, from left, Poor Law Commissioners Rev. Fred Talbot, Beryl Simon and D.P Sankar, among other officials

Santa sharing a moment with the children at the indigenous village of Santa Mission in grand style (December 21, 2015)

This little girl seems to be saying to her mother “I wish I could have this doll for Christmas� while her big sister looks on (December, 1981)

Due to threat of floods, Santa Claus abandoned his reindeers and sleigh and jumped into his Kayak to get his gifts to the children of Santa Mission up the Kamauni Creek off the Demerara River (December, 20, 2005)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL WEDNESDA0Y, DECEMBER 16, 2020

(From archives of the Guyana Chronicle)

In this December, 27, 1962 photograph, these boys, after having their Christmas lunch with their families, armed themselves with six toy pistols, ready to shoot at anything in sight

An exhausted Santa Claus arrives at Arrowpoint bearing gifts for children of Amerindian communities (December 23, 2003)

An exhausted Santa Claus arrives at Arrowpoint bearing gifts for children of Amerindian communities (December 23, 2003)

In this December, 24, 1956 picture, Governor, Sir Patrick Renison, joins these children who were regaled with refreshments at this Radio Demerara Christmas Party held at St. Stanislaus College ground, Brickdam

In this December 25, 1973 photograph, former President, Arthur Chung, toured the Palms and chatted with some of the country’s senior citizens. In the course of his visit to wards, he presented a trophy to the nurse whose ward won the prize for the best Christmas decoration.

The former President hands over the trophy and congratulates the recipient, Nurse Berle Earle

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

By Richard Bhainie WHILE many would be indulging in the festivities of the Christmas season, surrounded by the warmth and love of friends and family, some will be spending the holidays a bit differently.

If you were to take an orthodox stroll through the streets of Georgetown on any regular day, your attention would be directed to the homeless.

Scattered throughout the City, the homeless are often considered a nuisance by many. Neglected and shunned, they endure some of the harshest conditions in the City.

At Christmas, families are gathered and the homes are filled. While everyone is bustling with the activities the day brings, the homeless people still exist, John Kolf but are often forgotten.

The Guyana Chronicle took to the streets of Georgetown, seeking out a few of these individuals, who shared their experiences of spending Christmas without a home; and their expectations for Christmas this year.

The consensus among these individuals of what constitutes a home seems to be, a place that provides comfort, personal space and security.

However, for various reasons, some homeless persons are unable to relish the nature of the home.

Roy Ram, who has been homeless for two years, told the Guyana Chronicle that he was involved in an accident that rendered him disabled.

ABANDONED His family took him to a health centre for treatment, where they abandoned him. Subsequently, when he was released, he resorted to the streets of Georgetown for accommodation.

Michael Messiah, who has been living on the streets for three years, related to this publication that he previously resided with his sister in Farm, East Bank Demerara.

He explained that he is 73 years of age, and even though he would have applied for his Old-Age Pension three times, he has never received any.

Consequently, he moved out of house because he is unable to contribute for food and towards utilities expenses.

And while some may think that these individuals have no home to be, living on the street is a preference for many.

Brian, who goes by the alias “Lucky”, hailing from Middle walk, Buxton, has been living on streets of Georgetown for over 40 years.

He explained that he prefers to live on the streets, as he has more freedom there.

“I got a place I could stay but I rather out here, you know why, when I go home by my family certain time I does got to be in the house, but when I outside I don’t got to ask nobody anything,” Lucky said.

John Kolf, a street dweller for 30 years, related that persons at his former place of residence were unpleasant towards him, which prompted him to take to the streets.

CHRISTMAS DAY At Christmas, when the mood is light, the soul is bright and everyone seems to be spreading the Christmas cheer nothing of significance is TURN TO PAGE 25

Brian aka Lucky (Delano Williams photos)

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FROM PAGE 24

changed for the homeless.

When asked of how he spent more than 30 Christmases residing on the streets, Kolf related that “I just got to sit down and take insults and embarrassment from a variety of people; they say I overcrowding the street and people like me are always in the way of others.”

However, aware of the atmosphere, these individuals make the most of the day.

They spend the day with each other, waiting on donations from caring and kind-hearted individuals who reach out to them on Christmas Day. And for Messiah, he explained that “most times we wait on charity, things that come to help the poor, on Christmas Day, normally they got a man does come and give we a $500 plus give us things to eat”.

Michael Messiah

H e is hoping that the generous individuals do not forget them this year.

Roy Ram

Lucky in high spirits contended: “Christmas nice man, I does enjoy it, Christmas Day I does just enjoy myself because I does go by one of my friends and collect the lil things. I does get bonus from people I working with, $3,000 and $2,000 and so.”

CHRISTMAS WISHES Christmas is synonymous with gifts. From young to old, there’s an expectation of Santa coming from the North

Pole.

It’s no different for persons residing on the street.

Sharing what he would like for Christmas lucky related: “I want see Santa, I want see people bring pepperpot, I want see nice people who would come and say hold this lil raise, Christmas time is a time fuh share.”

However, Messiah related that he would like to receive his pension.

Kolf said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he does not want anything for himself; however, he has one wish for the world.

“What I want for this Christmas is that everybody over the age of 18 should have they own house, could feed they own self and clothe they own self.”

Although there is a common misconception that the homeless are ‘junkies’, drug addicts and all the negative stereotypes society makes them out to be, a simple conversation with them would prove to be contrary, since the homeless are people who came from a home just like you and me.

During the Christmas season all are urged to be warm, nice and accommodating as can be.

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Christmas on the job

By Richard Bhainie CHRISTMAS DAY is a day when families are gathered, and loved ones are near; when the home is filled and there is nothing but joy in the air.

It is a day when most people are away from work, and persons travel from far and near, to be together, to wine and dine and spread the Christmas cheer.

But while this might be the tradition engrained in Guyanese Christmas history, some persons spend Christmas day on duty.

The Guyana Chronicle reached out to a few essential workers - doctors, nurses, firefighters and prisoner officers, who shared their experiences of spending Christmas on the job.

These individuals play an indispensable role in keeping the gears of Guyana grinding.

They work tireless and excruciating shifts, to provide services, for the benefit of the public.

THE DAY ON THE JOB The consensus amongst the professions is that Christmas is a time when the work environment is transformed to accommodate the festivities the day brings.

While the Christmas celebrations vary to some extent based on the industry, there remain some similarities.

Some of the similarities are the decorating of the offices, the bonding with ‘work family’ and the patients, prisoners and passersby and the special Christmas meals, to make the ambience as close to home as possible.

Dexter Williams, an Operations Manager at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for the last eight years and recently appointed COVID-19 team captain, has worked on Christmas Day for the last eight years.

He disclosed that his department would make donations to various elderly homes and orphanages on Christmas Day, an experience that he looks forward to.

He explained that seeing the smiles on the faces of the individuals at the organisations, fills him with warmth and creates a welcoming atmosphere, which contributes to enlightening his Christmas on the job.

Roddy Denhart, Assistant Superintendent, presently serving as the second in command of the Georgetown Prison ‘A’, TURN TO PAGE 28

Dr. Shaunell Taitt-Griffith, a medical officer at the Accident and Emergency Ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

Dexter Williams, an Operations Manager and COVID-19 Team Captain at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)

Franka Thomas, Section Leader attached to the General Office at the Guyana Fire Service

Roddy Denhart, Assistant Superintendent, currently serving as the second in command of the Georgetown Prison ‘A’

Dewon Richmond, a Staff Nurse and Midwife at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)

Glyndon Griffith, acting Section Leader of the Fire Preventions Department

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Christmas on the ...

FROM PAGE 27

has been a prison officer for 20 years, 15 of which he spent Christmas on the job.

Denhart explained that while Christmas in prison is unique in comparison to the wider society, his team makes it as homely as possible for the inmates.

At the prison the day begins at 05.00 hours, where preparations are made for the special breakfast, after which there are a list of activities the inmates partake in, such as domino competition, football competition, poetry and caroling.

At the Guyana Fire Service while the Christmas spirit is fostered, they limit it, as the officers have to remain on “high alert” for any eventuality the day may bring.

AWAY FROM FAMILY, BUT WITH FAMILY Family is considered utmost amongst the list of imperative things on Christmas Day, and while these individuals will be spending Christmas away from

their biological family, their work family is as equally as important to them.

Franka Thomas, Section Leader attached to the General Office at the Guyana Fire Service, has been in the service for 15 years, to which she spent seven Christmases on the job.

Thomas, a mother of four, highlighted the importance of family within the Guyana Fire Service. She shared that the togetherness within the service somewhat mitigates from being with her biological family on Christmas Day. She also explained that when persons sign up to join the Guyana Fire Service, they are well aware that it is a 24-hour job and, as such, they would be able to prepare themselves and their families for the reality of the job.

Similar sentiments were shared by professionals in the medical field and the Prison Service. They took an oath to execute their duty, and it will be done to

the best of their ability.

A MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS ON THE JOB While duty takes away from the activities of the day, some experiences have stuck with these service men and women, that they cherish and help them to get through the job on holidays.

Assistant Superintendent Denhart explained to this publication that while the Prison Service was planning Christmas for the inmates, to their surprise, the inmates were planning Christmas for them.

One Christmas the inmates at the Georgetown Prison presented Denhart and his team with a painting and a paper mache swan, which they worked on secretively.

The gesture by the inmates touched a soft spot in Denhart and he has kept the painting and the craft to this date.

Meanwhile, Dewon Richmond, a staff nurse

and midwife at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, who is in the medical field for 10 years and has spent five Christmases on the job, also share her memorable moment.

Richmond explained that a great joy to her is having experience the birth of a baby on Christmas Day. She recalled a particular situation where the father of a newborn was not expected to be in the country when his wife gave birth.

However, to the mother’s surprise, the father appeared and there was great delight that filled the atmosphere. It was an indescribable moment of fulfilment that stuck with Richmond throughout the years.

PLEADING WITH THE PUBLIC Dr. Shaunell Taitt-Griffith, a medical officer at the Accident and Emergency Ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, who has been in

the field for three years, to which she spent two Christmases on the job, is pleading with the public to practise safety.

Dr. Taitt related that she believes that persons have grown relaxed and comfortable with the idea of COVID-19.

She is asking that if while everyone is indulging in the festivities, that they think twice about their actions because not only are they putting themselves at risk but also the health system that faced the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic since March, 2020.

She recommended that persons continue to wear their masks and practise social distancing, and abide by the COVID-19 guidelines.

Glyndon Griffith, acting Section Leader of the Fire Preventions Department, an officer of 13 years, who spent 12 Christmases on the job, is asking the public to practise fire safety.

He explained that witnessing the grievances of

persons who would have lost their property or family to fire is a heart-wrecking moment for him.

He is pleading with the public to practise safety and exercise caution during the Christmas season as well as regularly.

He noted that fairy lights are common around Christmas so if persons are going to have those lights installed in their homes, they should ensure that they are used when adults are at home.

He recommended that persons do not overload electrical circuits, that they monitor all cooking activities, pay keen attention to children, teach children fire safety and have adults supervise their activities.

The individuals mentioned took the opportunity to extend warm season greetings to the Guyanese public, and are encouraging the public at large to continue to be patient as they weather the storm, that is the COVID-19 pandemic.

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―― it is a great time of togetherness with endless food and drink

An aerial view of the hinterland village of Isseneru, Region Seven

Christmas Day in the hinterland village of Phillipai usually gets started with a huge church service

Villagers are often given presents on Christmas Day in Phillipai

By Tamica Garnett THE Christmas season is well-known as a time that fosters the coming together of family and friends, and, for many Amerindian villages in Guyana, this is an aspect that they take really seriously, celebrating the day with huge village-wide cook-outs, inter-denominational church services, and lots of friendly sport competitions.

Councils for the villages would often take charge of coordinating all and sundry to play a part in a wide array of activities, with

something for everyone in the village to feel the love and spirit of Christmas, even if you’re just a visitor.

“This year might be quiet different due to the COVID -19 pandemic but Christmas has always been a wonderful time,” shared Dwight Larson, 31, a native of the hinterland village of Isseneru in the Cuyuni Mazaruni Region (Region Seven).

The indigenous community is home to a population of just over 300 persons.

Larson currently lives on the coast but usually makes the trip back home for the holidays, to take his two

children, a daughter and a son, to learn about their culture.

“On Christmas Day, the Village Council takes over the festivities. A lunch is planned and prepared for everyone including families, friends and visitors.

Gifts are also distributed by the Village Council to every household and budding young families. There are also planned concerts, football or other games arranged by the sports group, in which the young and old take part,” Larson told the Guyana Chronicle.

For the villagers in Isseneru, Christmas Day rolls out with an inter-denominational midnight church service.

“Isseneru Village has

two main churches, the Allejuah and the Anglican churches, and despite their various forms of worship, both collaborate to usher in the Christmas holiday. Everyone attends the church service, greeting and hugging families, friends and visitors. There is always laughter during the wee hours on Christmas Day. This has been the tradition for many years,” Larson elaborated.

For Isseneru, Christmas Day climaxes with a huge village luncheon, where everyone in the village brings out food and meets at one location to celebrate the day together.

“It’s a tradition that was TURN TO PAGE 33

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By Tamica Garnett THERE are many things that have become uniquely associated with Christmas in Guyana; one such staple is the “chair back” which Guyanese rush to use as part of their decorations at home.

When Guyanese hustle and bustle around the City doing their Christmas shopping and walking around, vendors can often be seen knitting, creating pieces that will soon grace the back of some sofa set.

Those in the business say that, while there has been some decline over the years, for varying reasons, Christmas is still a peak period for business.

“Knitting will always be in demand around this time,” shared 53-year-old Joan Adams.

Joan has been knitting since she was a teenager, most of her work is done on order, customised to the needs of the client; however, she often also markets pre-knitted pieces. She said a lot has changed in the business of knitting over the years, but many persons still enjoy the beauty that knitting brings when used in decorating a home.

“Your home is your castle, and at Christmas time when you finish dressing your home it’s nice to see the knitting craft work. When you look on your chair decorated in all these creative things you feel very proud, you feel that you don’t even want to leave your home; it’s so comfortable and so decorated, you feel your home is like heaven,” she noted.

From adorning the chairs and tables to even the walls, the eye-catching pieces vary in colour, style and sizes, and offer an instant energy to the rooms they decorate.

“When you go through the [vendor’s] Arcade, this is the time you see all kinds of knitting, people just creating things, you see Christmas tree, the ‘God Bless This Home’ patterns, someTURN TO PAGE 37

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passed on by our foreparents,” Larson said.

“I remembered when I was little they would blow the horn for families to gather in the mornings to eat and drink. That has passed on to our generations. Every family contributes to the Christmas lunch.”

TUMA POT Patrons get to enjoy the traditional Amerindian dishes such as tuma pot, which is made with meat that includes deer, fish or labba, and of course this is eaten with cassava bread; however, up for grabs is also a wide array of dishes from other cultures such as chicken curry, fried rice, roti and cakes.

And then there are the beverages, naturally it’s not an Amerindian event without piwari but other beverages include Cassiri, potato juice, and cane juice.

“Food is never enough, we eat, we share and we take home. It’s all about enjoying the holiday and sharing the love on Christmas Day,” Larson said, adding: “There are a variety of things cooked for the Christmas lunch. We have the various traditional foods and drinks, roasts and other Guyanese cuisines.”

Notwithstanding the COVID-19 situation and toned down celebration, Larson is looking forward to returning home this Christmas, with his family, affirming that: “We are going home to Isseneru for the holidays as we do every year.”

At Phillipai Village, located in the Upper Mazaruni, also in Region Seven, the atmosphere, celebrations, and spirit of togetherness during the Christmas season, are pretty much the same as Isseneru.

“The village council arranges for a big pot of food to be cooked. In addition to that there are pots upon pots of tuma, with meat, or fish tuma, or smoked fish. Cassiri is in abundance and it is

shared around to all the residents. Barrels, upon barrels of Cassiri, there’s cassava bread and the men are sent out to hunt or fish, especially to celebrate Christmas,” said Laura George, who is a native of that village.

Though a little bigger than Isseneru, having a population of some 1,500 residents, togetherness still permeates the Amerindian community of Phillipai.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT “We have a big community spirit in Phillipai. Everybody just come together and eat together and it’s just such a big celebration. It reminds us of how grateful we are for being together.

To me that’s very unique about Christmas in Phillipai,” George expressed.

She added: “All the residents come out and we sing Christmas carol and people from the different satellite communities and neighbouring villages would also come out. Persons always say they love how we celebrate the Christmas in Phillipai so they would come to celebrate with us and we’re happy to have them.”

After eating together, it’s time to play together.

“After the lunch, the big communal lunch, there’s usually time for games. We may have a friendly football match, or cricket match and we would have competition between the young and the old, or the men and the women, so it’s a really fun time,” she related.

“After the games we would close off with a snack time and then persons would go off into individual groups and they would even have further celebrations there.”

Again, it’s not just a celebration for one day.

“These celebrations even though it’s for Christmas, it lasts for days and even into the New Year as well,” said George.

And even as time ebbs on and society changes, and in some places traditions may change, many of the ways in which Amerindian villages celebrated their togetherness before

is just how they still celebrate it in present day.

“Christmas in Phillipai hasn’t changed much at all. Something that will always remain is our spirit of helping each other.

Dwight Larson (centre) dresses in a Santa Claus suit, flanked by his cousins while celebrating one of his Christmases in Isseneru, Region Seven

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL WEDNESDA0Y, DECEMBER 16, 2020

By Tamica Garnett THE digital age has largely diminished use of traditional methods of greetings and expressions such as letters, postcards, and greeting cards, but, with interactions and gatherings drastically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic this past year, the need to uplift and spread some cheer to loved ones has caused a return to tradition of yore.

That is what owner of Caliper Drone Services, Julian Cadogan, hopes to capitalise on this Christmas, with the debut of his postcard business this Christmas season.

Caliper Drone Services is popularly known for its breathtaking images showcasing stunning scenes and sites from around Guyana, and now those images have been turned into cards, as a keepsake that Guyanese can now mail to each other, particularly relatives overseas.

“Finding unique gifts to share with loved ones is always a challenge during the Christmas season, and as our lives become more and more digital, the need to send cards is overlooked, but having an item that resonates with ‘home’ adds to the joy of sending a card to a loved one,” shared Cadogan.

“Post Cards by Caliper Drone Services were created with the vision of rekindling the transferred and cherished moments of well wishes and greetings. Persons like seeing ‘undiscovered’ parts of Guyana, shared in a new light, and these postcards will allow for that to happen, in addition to providing history or context about the image, and location,” he added.

Aerial scenes of Guyana’s gorgeous coastline, or lush savannahs, perfectly captured scenes from the Lethem Rodeo, Diwali, or Rockstone Fish Festival, the postcards also double as a promotional tool for Guyana as a tourism destination.

With many of us restricted to our homes for a large part of the year, and many of our b e -

Owner of Caliper Drone Services, Julian Cadogan, recently launched postcards business for Christmas

loved locations closed up and vacations cancelled, love and appreciation for images that reminded Guyanese of locations they could no longer visit grew

even more.

NOSTALGIA “This initiative allows us to showcase new parts Guyana, as well as places that we love and missed, places that travel has restricted us from visiting, and it allows loved ones to reconnect in traditional ways while being reminded and enlightened about the beauty of our Guyana,” was how Cadogan put it.

Originating in the mid-1800s, post cards are small cards for writing and mailing without the use of envelopes, and over the years like stamps have grown to become a unique way of advertising a nation’s traditions and culture.

The Caliper Drone Cards are four inches by six inches and are retailed in packages of 10 for $2000, and are sold at a booth at the Giftland Mall, and can also be ordered through the business’s Facebook page or by contacting Cadogan directly on 592627-1583.

The idea for the postcard was one that had actually first came to Cadogan i n 2019, after persons would often reach

out to him for details about the many awe-inspiring images, which he would often post on social media. He set about to find a way to make the pictures a tangible memento that persons could share.

“This makes the images tangible and creates something that they can hold and send to their loved ones.

There’s space at the back to attach memories. So in addition to sharing the image they’re also able to share memories,” said Cadogan.

Cadogan followed up his idea by putting all the necessaries together.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

Reverend of the St. Matthias Buxton Church, Desiree Watts

Christmas a ‘ at St. Matthias Buxton Church

By Vishani Ragobeer THE Christmas season is said to be a time for togetherness. Family and friends are drawn closer, even if it is only for this brief period, and the St. Matthias Buxton church epitomises that spirit of togetherness, especially during the merry season.

At 03:00 hours on Christmas morning, when many other persons might have crawled back into their beds in an attempt to get a few hours of shut-eye, the caroling begins at the church.

It’s a symphony of the Christmas favourites, from

“We wish you a Merry Christmas” to “Jingle Bells”albeit with a slight Guyanese twist to some of the lyrics.

If you’re lucky, the African drums might come out. And that is guaranteed to invigorate any drowsy child, uncle, or aunty.

Two hours later, by 05:30 hours, the sounds dwindle.

Just before the sun comes up, a family breakfast is done. All ages- young and old- come together in the auditorium and sit down to share a Christmas morning meal with each other.

Reverend of the Church, Desiree Watts, told the Guyana Chronicle that she

’

spends most of Christmas Eve baking.

She prepares food for everyone. Now, that isn’t an exaggeration because she prepares several pots of pepperpot to accommodate the vegetarians and those who prefer different meats.

She also bakes sponge cake, black cake, and fruit cake -- all with and without eggs. Eggs and other breakfast foods are cooked at the church.

“When it comes to Christmas Eve night, who is sleeping?” she joked, adding, “It’s all exciting for me TURN TO PAGE 38

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020 FROM PAGE 32

times you create birds, trees, leaves. You can create so many things with your hands out of knitting; that’s why people love it so much,” she told the Guyana Chronicle.

Though initially done as a means of earning a living, for Joan knitting has become more than just a business, it is a passion, and a means of expressing her ingenuity.

ART “Knitting is about art. It’s about being creative. When you finish doing it and you see the beauty of it you cherish your hands. It’s like when you go

by Main Street and see those men doing these carving work bringing something beautiful out of wood; it’s like that and it’s a very special gift from God,” she expressed.

But like any art form, she said knitting is about a lot of intricate work and mistakes can become time consuming.

“If you make one mistake you have to rip out everything, so you have to focus, your brain, your eye, your hands have to be focussed. Sometimes to loose it out you feel so discouraged because of the time you will have to do it all over again… but you have to loose it if you want to economise on the thread,” she said Also in the business is 61-year-old Volda, who this Christmas enjoyed a peak in orders. However, she points out that customers making untimely orders too close to Christmas often stymie the amount of product that can be created, given the amount of time that has to go into production of the lattice pieces.

“You does get an increase at Christmas, but the knitting orders does got to come in early,” Volda explained, adding: “At Christmas a lot of people does want to order late but when they come in early you would able to do more knitting.

Some patterns you can do two pieces in one day, and then other patterns you would take two days to complete one piece because of the design.”

Though many knitting pieces come as part of a set, the pieces can also be sold separately, with the price varying according to several factors.

A LOT HAS CHANGED Over the years, a lot has changed about the business, including the cost for the ma-

terial, as well as the amount of work that has to go into a piece.

Because of that the pricing for the knitting has changed.

“It used to be like $5,000 for a five piece set, but then the sets used to be single thread, and the knitting thread used to be like $500 a bag, and the thread used to be more compact too. Now it’s like $780 for one thread, and the pieces knitting using double thread [technique], so because of that the price for knitting has gone up,” she related.

“It all depends on how much fine work involved and how much time you spend on it. Now the price fluctuates depending on the pattern the customer wants, more pattern more thread. Long time you used to fix the price [before], but the knitting was single thread, so the thread used to carry you a far way. Like two ball could’ve give you a five-piece, so you could’ve covered your expense, your time and everything, now sometimes you have to charge $2500 [per piece],” she notes.

Both Joan and Volda learnt the trade as part of a vocational training programme at their community centre, on the West Bank of Demerara. The programme was taught among a collection of trades by older women in the community.

“Since I was 16 I knitting, now I’m 61 [years old]. At the village office they had a women’s group where they had big women, and they used to get the little girls them in the village and they used to carry we to learn to knit, and do different, different things, make Chinese sauce, cook, icing cake, sewing,” Volda related.

Joan said she got involved as a means of being independent since the business gave her a chance to make a living.

“Since I was young, like around 17/18 I involved in knitting. I had dropped out of school and I didn’t have any one to give me a financial support in my teen, and that was in Burnham time when he insist that if you don’t have a sound education you have to have skills that you can bring in an income. And that even self your husband don’t want you to work you can make money at home independently,” she said.

Aside from knitting for customers, Joan also enjoys knitting for her own personal use, so she can also enjoy her home as her own little heaven.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

Christmas a ...

Marlon “Chucky” Adams and some of the children he taught drumming

FROM PAGE 36

to bake and bring it over to the church and cook at the church.”

And so the church members, their friends and families, and even any visitor are welcomed into this space.

After that breakfast, each person usually goes home to their family breakfast (because you can never go

wrong with two servings of Christmas morning pepperpot) and to open gifts.

TOGETHERNESS AND CAMARADERIE Watts, a 65-year-old Buxtonian, said that this spirit of togetherness and camaraderie is alive and well in Buxton, a community that

is too often stigmatised.

During a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, she emphasised that this spirit has been with the community for as long as she can remember.

“In our early days, we used to have the masquerade bands. My father used to be with the masquerade

drum and I grow up knowing the masquerade drums, the mother sally, and the cow and so at Christmas time,” she recollected. “Sometimes you scared and run under your bed and so, but it was all fun.”

Members of the community came out on Christmas Day to see the masqueraders

frolic in the streets. This tradition brought immense joy to the people, even if the “mad cow” was slightly intimidating.

But this particular tradition ceased in the 1980s when the “old heads” grew old and eventually died, Watts explained, noting that this particular tradition was never imparted to the younger sons, and was not practised since then.

However, the reverend emphasised that many other traditions have popped up.

Her son, well-known local drummer Marlon “‘Chucky” Adams organised the Buxton Fusion School of music, which is well-known for an immaculate crop of African drumming talent.

A STAPLE This drumming has become a staple part of life in Buxton for many people, year-round instead of only at Christmas time. And Watts is certain that with the right amount of encouragement, “Chucky” could prepare the masquerade drums and revive the Christmas masquerade.

This masquerade, or lack thereof, is only just one example of how Christmas has changed in the community.

Reverend Watts lamented that maybe, the commercialisation of the holiday has contributed to the greater focus on presents instead of just enjoying the season with loved ones.

It is for this reason she

directs 110 per cent of her energy towards ensuring that the community in the St. Matthias church, which has been around for 32 years, is preserved.

“We have the community spirit at the church and we want it to be just so,” she posited, adding: “We all share what we have. If somebody brings drinks, is drinks for everybody so if you bring a friend, you have things to share and do things and so.”

This year, she is mulling to have a gift exchange on Christmas morning with everyone present. This is usually done during the Old Year’s night, but she realised that persons may prefer to enjoy other activities then.

She also said that the gift exchange on Christmas morning might help to add to the celebrations, which are much needed during this otherwise dreary pandemic.

Moreover, with Christmas Day around the corner, Reverend Watts is also trying to organise supplies to present some of the persons in the village who have been experiencing financial difficulties due to the pandemic.

This is yet another way she believes both she and the church can help to spread Christmas cheer.

“I don’t do it for profits or anything like that. I only do it to spread joy,” the reverend said. “The pandemic is bad, but I hope that it will bring joy to families because it is bringing everyone together.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

and

Old-time things’ fade

― Christmas in Success transforms over time

By Vishani Ragobeer I AM Vishani Ragobeer, a 21-year-old sometimes-ish Christmas enthusiast. Aside from short stints elsewhere, I have been fortunate to call the community of Success, East Coast Demerara my home and while growing up, I have been experiencing how Christmas traditions change over time.

If I squeeze my eyes shut tight enough and concentrate on a faint noise of a metal object being struck repeatedly, an endearing Success Christmas Eve tradition emerges from the part of my brain that stores memories.

It is a memory of young children in the village beating a Fernleaf milk powder tin with a metal spoon, to the tune of some Christmas carols.

They walk through the streets that are filled with houses covered in ‘fairy lights’.

Fortunately or unfortunately, there’s no snow but there are the occasional rain showers.

And they come seeking a ‘small change’ which you stick right in the opening made on the lid of the milk powder tin.

I live on the last street, so when they’re finished spreading their Christmas cheer (or noise, if you’re a distant relative of Ebenezer Scrooge), they head back home.

I would probably go inside and watch Home Alone for the 157th time while my mom fussed with Christmas cooking.

Chicken, Pepperpot and burnt sponge cakes are her specialties.

The minutes would turn into hours and before I realise it, I would be awakened by the burst of fireworks outside. That signalled that it was midnightbut not just any midnight; it was Christmas.

My community would then become both a kaleidoscope and a cacophony. And, the village boys compete with their fireworks and squibs, but not too much, because the real display would be on Old Year’s night.

I couldn’t care less about those fireworks, though. They served their purpose of waking me up in time so that I could rip open the neatly wrapped presents under my tree. I knew it was probably going to be clothes or books, instead of the toys or the new phone I would have preferred. Santa, apparently, responded to my needs, instead of wants. But, I loved to hope, nevertheless.

The rest of the day would pass by in a blur. I would finally wake, just before lunch because the noise of the wares clanking in the kitchen becomes more profound and unavoidable. I’d eat, share goodie bags with my neighbours and maybe visit family members in the evening.

If you’re wondering if I offered

any help cooking, the answer is a resounding no.

My help, admittedly, would

been like over the years.

She sat in her rocking chair, with her walking cane in hand and looked at me with a

now and can’t walk like me,” she half-joked, breaking the awkward silence between us. She then posited, “Christmas long time was a really nice t i m e

A ‘village uncle’ dresses up as Santa and visits children in Success on Christmas morning

involve my calamitous antics complicating the process, so it was just better to leave me out of it. Now that I think about it, maybe that’s why I can’t cook a proper meal for myself when I’m studying in Trinidad. Who knows!

Sometimes, I think: “Man, those were the days.” As I grew older, Christmas Eves were spent at the City Mall, and later, the Giftland Mall, with friends.

Nowadays, they’re spent at the Guyana Chronicle’s office. By the time I get home, I’m tired and I just want my bed- though I’ll probably catch up on some Netflix (minus the “and Chill”) no matter how tired I am.

VILLAGE UNCLE Christmas day is a welcomed day off from my work and studies. I try to engage in the holiday frolicking to appease my younger sister; her holiday cheer is infectious- until it becomes just too much. Over the past few years, a village Uncle has taken it upon himself to dress up as old Saint Nick and spread Christmas cheer (and sweeties and presents) to the younger ones in our community. But that’s to my sister’s liking, not necessarily mine.

Christmas traditions and celebrations have definitely changed for me, during my two decades here. It’s the very same, or, maybe a lot more actually for Savitri Seegobin, another Success resident, who has spent her 83 years experiencing the passage of Christmas celebrations.

Ahead of the first-ever pandemic Christmas, this year, I sat with her so that she could share what Christmas in Success has

playful glint in her eyes, signalling to me that she was prepared to tell me a story and a half.

Seegobin began her story by telling me that Christmas, decades ago, was a busy and hectic affair. She spent a lot of the time in the kitchen cooking a feast, hardly delegating any kitchen responsibility to any of her children or grandchildren. The woman had to prepare enough food for the family and neighbourhood friends who would be coming to her home to have a good time on Christmas Day. “Me friends and so used to come ‘round and we used to sit down and talk old-time story.

Sometimes we used to tek we lil drink, but nah me. I used to drink me lil Pepsi with them ‘cause from me small, I does don’t drink,” Seegobin recalled.

An ever topical discussion for Seegobin and her friends was just how much children “nowadays” have changed from when they were younger. Of course, each year, children “nowadays” apparently deviated more and more from the idea of obedience they grew up knowing. But even so, Seegobin loved having her children and grandchildren around, especially at Christmas time.

She sat back in her rocking chair and smiled to herself, as though she was recollecting those yonder years. She even let out a small chuckle, probably remembering a fond or embarrassing memory.

REALLY NICE TIME “All me friends them and so dead out now. Well, except for one but she deh in a wheelchair

man. A real nice time.”

I don’t know how, but I could just tell that she was swimming through the sea of distant yesteryear memories. After another awkward silence and a half, I asked her if she could recall how she celebrated Christmas as a young girl.

Of course, she could.

She highlighted that her mother would purchase her Christmas gift and hang it up from the ceiling.

“When you wake up Christmas morning, you used to tek it down from up there and when you open it you might get plenty sweety or a lil dolly,” Seegobin said, continuing: “Them does seh is Christmas father bring it.”

This was a departure from the well-known tradition of putting presents under the Christmas tree I knew of. Seegobin couldn’t say if this was unique to her family or if it was just one of those things done “back in the days”.

What she did say, however, was that she didn’t necessarily continue her mother’s traditions with her children. Instead of

presents, she gave them a “ l i l change” o r sometimes nothing at all, because times were rough like that.

She opened up, just a bit, about how difficult it was providing for her family after her husband died years before. The women planted ‘greens’ and ‘walk and sold’ whatever she harvested on the East Coast line top. She did this for several years and said it was hard work.

Nowadays though, she has more of an idyllic life. She is grateful for the health, strength, and life she has, and the good relations she has with all of her children and grandchildren. And while Christmas celebrations are not as busy as before, she emphasised, “I gon be cooking fa meself…. Well, I don’t mek the pepperpot, but I gon cook meself.”

‘Old-time things’ fade and new traditions take their place… but also, maybe, sometimes don’t ever change.

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