Again, life shows us that it is funny and that we can not expect what we expect. In fact, we should expect the unexpected. What Natalia and I ended up doing was reading all 8 announcements and bringing up the gifts for communion. I was nervous and uncomfortable but I was fine with it, I am trying to make this term about experiencing new things. I have heard previously, though, that other students forgot to bow before bringing the gifts to the alter, simply because they did not know they had to do that. I had a similar experience. I ended up bringing the basket of offering behind Natalia and the regular mass-goer as I was told. However, as it came time to hand off the offering basket, I was somewhat confused: I was told to put the basket on the floor in front of the alter. Firstly, I was surprised it was to be put on the floor and secondly, I was shocked because I didn't know what to do when I got up there: the priest was standing where I was supposed to put the basket! I finally ended up handing the basket to the priest and upon my return to the back of the room, I noticed the regular mass-goer bowing before walking back. So, I quickly turned back around, did a quick bow, and proceeded to turn around again to leave. My delayed and sporadic actions were awkward but I did not want to seem disrespectful. Since then, I have replayed the event in my head and the impact of different customs and cultures.
As I move forward towards looking at travelling to the Dominican Republic this May, I recognize the sense of pride and joy a cultural custom may bring. From the Olympic Anniversary Special on CTV that I am watching to Nicole and Brilé's posts about volun-tourism, I see how a collective experience can hold a community together yet my presence in a different culture may be threatening and detrimental to its existence. How can I integrate myself into the Dominican Republic culture without harming what is already existing? Can I be respectful and follow customs and not impose my own values? I really hope so.
I will be living with a host family in the DR. My lifestyle will change drastically and I will have to live by the rules of the family. According to a Kwintessential, an online website outlining different country's culture and customs, these are a few things I should keep in mind:
1. Loyalty to the family unit is the most important social relationship; even above business endeavours. Additionally, family (including the extended family) often live close together. Often, family members of different generations live in the same house.
2. The people of the Dominican Republic pride themselves on hospitality and will go out of their way to make sure their guests are comfortable.
3. It is customary to maintain eye contact upon giving a hand shake. Eye contact is important as it indicates interest.
4. Upon visiting guests for dinner, it is appropriate to bring gifts of chocolate or pastries. Gifts that are black or purple are avoided as they are avoided as the colour of mourning. Additionally, gifts are opened when they are received.
5. Punctuality is a good thing but in the DR, arriving 15 to 30 minutes late for a social gathering is considered on time.
6. There is generally a saying, "Bueno provecho" ("enjoy" or "have a good meal") to invite everyone to start eating. (Kwintessential, n.d.)
These are only a few of the customs and rules of etiquette regarding to the Dominican Republic yet they will be challenging to adapt to. I think for me, the greatest challenge will be to be "punctual" and have everyone else be late. I hate showing up late and sometimes even get stressed if I am going to be 1-2 minutes late. Also, another key point for me to note is that the those receiving me will pride themselves on their hospitality yet this is not what I want. In contrast to eco-tourism and only seeing the good/easy side of life in the DR, I want to see the dirt and grit and what makes life happen. I truly hope I can be worked into the culture and become "one of them" while being mindful of being unique and individual. Mass this past week has showed me that I need to ask the vital questions to solidify my understand of the processes that are to ensue. Yet although I was not fully aware of my mistakes at mass, the priest was comforting and encouraging with my actions. I only hope that this will be the same in the Dominican Republic as I try to become an advocate for their lifestyle, hopefully by living acceptingly and openly to their culture and customs.
My goal is to live more like the family in the picture above and not take the easy road and enjoy the simplicity of volun-tourism.
Sources:
Kwintessential. (n.d.) Dominican Republic - Language, Culture , Customs and Etiquette. Retrieved on February 13 from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/dominican-republic-country-profile.html
Photos:
http://media.photobucket.com/image/dominicano+republico+familia+/La_Familia_Wilson/100_1421.jpg
http://www.esperanzaproject.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/banner_volunteer.jpg
I enjoyed reading this. It made me chuckle a little. I believe trying is the most important thing so when you forget to bow at the altar --- it doesn't matter but its the essence that you tried. It is the same with the family, they are not going to disown you if you don't remember a social custom- trying is what counts. I know you try hard so I know you will succeed!
ReplyDelete-Sebastien :)
Don't worry about the church thing. . . I go to mass there almost every Sunday and still forget a lot of littel stuff like that. You tried and you cared - that's what matters.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it sounds like you'll be in great company in the DR. I'm glad you'll be a such a welcoming place (no nametag necessary). :)