Blog Post 4

Title: Farewell Festival

Date: 06/24/19

Observer: Michael Hamady

Setting: The city of Lapaisenja

Description of Activities

           

The bright full moon lit up the ocean’s waves as they crashed upon the Lapaisenja waterfront. Celebratory screams, drums, and long wind instruments accompanied the sound of crashing waves. Toza and a few other Oktip, acting as our guides, ushered I and my fellow colleagues away from the beachfront and towards a large wooden yit. Bamboo straw formed a triangular roof over the large yit. There were two large openings marking the front and back of the yit. Inside and around the yit, people danced, sang, and drank on the beach.

We arrived at Oktipisenja during the spring, when the weather was crisp and nice. From my understanding, the Oktip host one large festival every season. Toza informed me days prior that the Oknyoja decided to merge our farewell party with the annual festival celebrating the arrival of summer.

A seasonal fruit found on Lapaisenja (passion fruit) was processed into a yellow powder. This yellow powder was everywhere. It was customary for the Oktip to individually purchase and process the yellow dye known as nyobi. At nightfall, many gathered onto the beachfront, and as the sun set, they threw nyobi into the air while shouting, “akka zhurong.” The literal translation of zhurong akka is spread love. Showered by nyobi, which sticks to one’s clothing, Toza informed me summer marks a time of compassion and gratitude towards one another.

            Inside the grand yit, special performers completely covered in nyobi performed synchronized dances. Behind them were the musicians playing drums, and long wind instruments. The wind instruments captivated me the most as they produced deep sounds which mimicked the slow style of dancing. The tempo of the drums was rather slow and repetitive. The Oktip seemed to cherish this ceremonial dance as they watched intently and quietly. Only the Oktip outside enjoying the beach festivities spoke. The noise coming from the beach barely disrupted the performance as the drums and wind instruments were very loud.

            Once the ceremony within the yit ended, we walked outside to partake in the drinking festivities. The beer we consumed tasted the same as the beer I drank during Panbaben. The sea of yellow-dyed clothing was immense. People came up to us as said, “akka zhurong” and “mihay gondrusha,” which literally translates to “farewell friend.” The phrase mihay gondrusha means more than goodbye, as it has undertones of gratitude and implies respect. It is apparent the Oktip are very friendly, community-based, respectful people. They will miss us, and we will miss them.

           

Reflection

            The Oktip are very accommodating and social people, with the exception of the people originating from Kazadisenja. Their festive language and social inclusion reflects their accepting nature. From my previous observations, the Oktip create clear distinctions between formal settings and informal settings. In formal settings, the Oktip speak concisely. In informal settings, they are expressive, open, and friendly. I found it coincidental that they use passion fruit to “spread love.” Nyobi was everywhere. I am not sure I will be able to remove this dye from my clothing. It did, however, wash easily from my skin.