Today was a busy one at the baby house, but it didn’t include a visit with SPW. We met with the doctors to review all of his medical history, and then were invited to watch the Nauryz celebration show put on by the staff. Nauryz (sp?) is the New Years celebration, which seems also to be a bit of spring thrown in. No pictures today as we captured people who have not given permission to show their antics.
The first act was a very cute number with some of the children. First, a little girl of about 3 came out with one of her teachers. They were beautiful Kazakh princesses showing off their dance skills, their long hair and allure. They were followed onto the stage (music room floor) by another teacher and little boy, both of whom were decked out complete with drawn on moustaches and beards. They showed off for the two women, and led them off into the sunset. This was followed by a group of 4 little ones singing a traditional song.
Then came the real fun. This event is one of the chances the teachers and staff have to relax and really be entertaining and silly. The members of each group put on a little skit, song or poetry recital (generally composed for the event). We didn’t understand a word, but some things are universal.
The women who are working on renovating two suites did a few send-ups of Russian MTV – complete with over the top dance moves, a la Shakira and Prince. The nurses read a poem about their wishes for everyone for the New Year, including not getting a list of illnesses, and no more kilos. The piece de resistance was the group led by the music teacher (the only man we’ve seen on the premises). He was the drunken sultan coming home to his disappointed harem, each of whom attempted to entice him back to her. Gotta say, this crew has a sense of humor!
A request for all of you: We neglected to bring with us a book of nursery rhymes, and are having trouble not singing the wrong words. If anyone has time, could you find us some links and e-mail them to wolfepacboston at yahoo.com? Thanks!
Touch base tomorrow, when we’ll have more updates. And thanks for your e-mails and blog comments. We look forward to reading them – contact with home is precious.
3 comments:
Sounds like a fun day!
Nauryz is the traditional spring festival celebrating the new year held throughout the Central Asian communities of the former Soviet Union. The roots of Nauryz are in pagan festivals celebrated to enhance the fertility of animals and the soil in planting and mating periods. In literature, the was first mentioned by Tole-Bi in 1720.
Nauryz is one of the most important national holidays among the Central Asian people. The holiday is usually celebrated at the spring equinox, when day and night are of equal duration, representing the time of the year when the difficult winter ends and spring renewal begins.
Nauryz celebrations are big events where games are played, traditional ceremonies are performed,
heritage costumes are worn, and festive foods are served. People visit with friends and relatives to deliver expressions of well being and to wish good luck for the upcoming year. Tradition says that the more one celebrates Nauryz, the more successful the New Year will be.
In the Kazakh language, Nauryz is also known as Ulys Kuni (the first day of the new year) and Ulystyn uly kuni (the great day of the people). A particularly symbolic tradition is
OOPS!
In the Kazakh language, Nauryz is also known as Ulys Kuni (the first day of the new year) and Ulystyn uly kuni (the great day of the people). A particularly symbolic tradition is the “dance” of the light and dark spirits, winder and summer. Other traditional activities include horse races, fortune telling, camel racing, wrestling, racing barefoot, poetry readings and the giving of small gifts and flowers to the elderly.
Wed., March 21, 2007
Dear Nan and Jim,
On Sunday I read your tantalizing comments about having good news for all of us in the very near future. I held off as long as I could before checking your site once again.
OH WOW! Stephen Paul Wolfe (SPW) is GORGEOUS! In fact his coloring is a lot like yours Nan. And those lovely eyebrows and big eyes could not be more beautiful. He appears to be a very happy little chap. What fun the Wolfe Pack is going to have this summer pushing SPW around Boston showing him all the wonderful sites. And quite frankly I would want to show Stephen to the world.
Your child is beautiful and all three of you look as though you have been together since day one!
Please keep those "Kodak Moments" coming, and
give SPW hugs and kisses from his extended family of aunts and uncles.
xxxxxxxooooooooo Leslie and Jerry
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