The Free Dictionary defines jubilee as .... a jubilation or an occasion of joyful celebration. The joyous time was what a group of Karen people in Chiang Rai had on Saturday, February 24, 2013. It was a celebration of Taweepon Church's 60th anniversary. They called it their 'Jubilee & Thanksgiving.'
Taweepon Church was established by five Karen Families who determined to form their fellowship group and build a worshiping place in the village 60 years ago. That went back a long way, so long their pioneers of the faith passed on. Only their descendants, families, friends and new comers were present for the celebration. All members remain Karen.
The big day began with songs and music. The singing of the members warmed up the gathering since 09:00 a.m. Special songs by members of other Karen and neighboring churches followed suit. Then, history of the church was read, message was shared, offering was collected, appreciation was made, and finally came the 'actual' high time of celebration!
A feast took part as everyone were seated in a modern setting - on a chair and at the table rather than sitting in a circle on the floor - and traditional northern Thai food was served.
There were a curry called 'Hung Leh,' a 'tofu soup' - mild soup with vegetables, pork and bean curd, and two kinds of 'larb,' or spicy minced beef salad - one with cooked and the other with raw meat. The dishes were taken with 'sticky rice' which came in small plastic bags that each person could easily take without plates, as though it was finger food. An 'Asian' or 'Chinese' spoon was provided for every guest to take food from the main dishes and directly feed oneself. Everything was delicious. 'Dessert' for the day was fruits and coconut milk ice-cream.
It was a merry festivity to the Karen of all ages. They came in their traditional costume, or most likely in a mix of the old and the modern styles. Everyone bustled about with lovely gesture and pleasant look. What were on their minds was beyond our reach! The ambient scenario was indeed a feast for the eye to us, as their guests or outsiders who understood neither of their language nor culture.
The beauty of all was the presence of generations who share the same faith and pride. The seniors were solemn and sure. The young were vibrant.
As the older generation has weathered various long hard storms, they are tried but survive. What is left within is unpredictably of great value! The younger one has just begun their life journey that could possibly be, in various aspects, much diverse or similar to the past generations. If only the two could be 'mixed and remolded,' the young would blossom more steadily and strongly. And, the old could more highly esteem their hard life lessons.
For the old, there is no greater joy than to see their growing loved ones grow steadily promising onto the brighter and more successful path. They might possibly yearn to pour out their 'learned lessons, experiences, word of wisdom and hope,' to the young. There must be countless of things they wish to pass on, if only the younger ones would have the heart and time to spare.
Yet, life goes on for both, the young and old. Each holds on to what seems best at a passing moment and the particular season of life.
As for that day, it was a moment for everyone to celebrate, and everything was generously shared and enjoyed in Karen context.
Yes, it was the time to share faith and culture. It was also the time to look back over the long years and to commemorate their comradeship throughout generations. The gathering on that day was just jubilant.
Pride and dignity hung heavy in the air. Smile floated around. Laughter rang out everywhere. Karen or not Karen, guests or hosts mingled casually. The spirit of 'oneness' claimed the whole place. Still, a curiosity popped!!! A Lahu gentleman softly asked, 'Are you Karen?' I humbly denied, and he persisted, 'Burmese!' I laughed and gave him another 'no.' 'Shan,' then, he shot! I gave my final 'no,' while Kanit quickly joked that I was from Cambodia.
Why was the race still a matter? Or, was it really matter? I guess not. It was just a pure wonder of that gentleman who saw me dressed differently, or simply in a fusion way.
For what really mattered for the very day had nothing to do with the race, but the reason that everyone was there. We gathered together on such a day to celebrate the journey of Karen people's FAITH, faith and love for the divine up high and any others around, regardless of race or color.
And, that was the JUBILEE, a celebration and thanksgiving at a small Karen Church in Chiang Rai.
