A ceremony of life

I think everyone, once in a while, should absorb some cultural enlightenment. God only knows we need it. I had the honor of doing that today. Okay, I had to fly to New York to do it, but it was well worth it.

A friend of mine- a lovely, funny, sweet, smart, beautiful Indian woman- is expecting her first child. Her husband and his best friend planned (and carried off beautifully) a surprise baby shower.

Another friend of mine, Beverly Girl (BG), joined me as the only other non-Indian person at this very personal, very detailed Indian ceremony. I thought that with my fair skin and blonde hair that I might feel odd, somehow singled out in this group of mocha-skinned, lovely accented females but they were as warm in spirit and smiles as their food was HOT.

The mom-to-be (let's call her Radiance, since she was very radiant today) changed from her Western hemisphere attire into a traditional Indian sari. The melon-colored layering of silk adequately disguised her 7-month belly. Around her neck was a handmade necklace of fresh pink carnations. She looked beautiful.

She wore a multitude of delicate bangles in shades of red, gold, yellow and green to symbolize not only her married status but the future which would surely hold many years of happily married life.

Joining her husband on the sofa, the couple were showered with blessings from each of the women in the group. One by one, each was invited to dip a finger into a tiny bowl of magenta powder and lightly mark the forehead of the mother and father-to-be. A light showering with raw rice completed the best wishes. I was surprised and humbled when the women allowed me to join in this ceremony.

In India, the mother-to-be leaves her home after 3 or 4 months of pregnancy and lives with her mother until about 6 months after the baby is born. Such is the tie that binds mother and daughter.

The Indian women draped Radiance with another sheet of intricately decorated silk fabric and on it they placed numerous pieces of fruit and ceremonial gifts of silk. This is the gift the mother will take with her when she leaves her mother's home.

With that, the Indian ceremony ended and the American part began with presents and fabulous food (Indian, of course!) and cake. The joining together of two cultures in one simply beautiful day in New York.