The Truth about Chai

Ever since we arrived here and started learning language and culture the truth about chai started coming to light. That milky tea goodness in not original to Curry Land. It was introduced by the British...and now afternoon tea is as much an intricate part of culture here as it is in the U.K. Initially the British provided chai for free, then once everyone was hooked it became a money making comodity. Now adays people drink chai in the mornings and afternoons, as well as served to guests. As Z was having chai in a village one of the elders shared about how chai got it's start. Z then asked 'what did you drink before chai was introduced?' His response...'Buttermilk'. Hmmm...now I see why sweet milky tea took over so easily.

The wedding of the 3 brides

Last weekend we went to Art's sisters' weddings...the three of them got married at the same time to three guys, two of the guys were brothers...so it was kind of like 7 Brides for 7 Brothers except that weddings are completely different here in Curry Land, also the brothers and brides did not sing or tend to farm animals...so, probably nothing like 7 Brides for 7 Brothers...bad analogy.

 

 

 I've been to a few weddings here in Curry Land and at this one I finally got to see them sign the marriage certificate. BTW, these men are not the husbands...they are the religious leaders explaining the significance of the marriage certificate and asking the girls for their approval and signature. Once the girl says yes and signs she is officially married. No special prayers, romantic songs or loving vows...the ceremony just consists of this colorfully embossed sheet of paper and a pen.

 

Since three brides were involved and three grooms and the brides had the same last name and two of the grooms were brothers I hovered close by waiting for a mix up...I was sure one of them was going to sign the wrong certificate or one get married to the wrong brother...

 

But alas, these guys were pros, no such incident occurred. The brides, without even seeing their husbands at all during the engagement or wedding, said yes then signed. It was a powerful moment to witness, these women's lives will never be the same, my prayer is that their men will be good to them and they will have a blessed family.

 

...meanwhile wedding guests took advantage of a distracted mommy who was soaking in the cultural experience and passed around Abi, made her pose for pictures, and fed her all sorts of sugary substances. Which in all honesty is pretty much a normal day for her in Curry Land.