Skip to main content

Christmas Nostalgia - Parang & Rhythms


I remember the music, just like I remember my grandfather- my mom's dad, shaking his 'Chac Chac'(Maracas) and Quatro (guitar). We knew Christmas would be soon when he started singing.

My grandfather was Cito Moreno, and he had a way he would shake the Chac Chac and it would sound like a melody of  dried peas in a pod. Initially I thought he was doing some kind of ancient war dance, which he alone knew. He would try to get us to shake them and we thought it was quite funny! The ones he had were made from a dried coconut shell and they were carefully secured after the Christmas season.

Just like the Chac Chac, he would bring out the Quatro and start singing parang.."Rio Manzanares, dejame pasar, qui mi madre enferma, me mando llamar...." He loved the music and would speak in an amerindian patois he learned growing up.

I remember him for his love of music, hunting and coffee! He also loved politics and Dr Eric Williams our first prime-minister was his hero.

There were the 'bussing of bamboo" and the beating of drums, even those made with silver tin pans. The bamboo would be lit with a fire inside and it would make a popping sound which can be compared to fireworks. The empty biscuit tins and milk pans were fashioned into drums and sticks or metal bits and pieces would be used to tap and make a sound. To my recollection it was a mixture of chimes and a tenor rhythm - a symphony of home-made instruments!

Christmas was about stories. The smell of the season was filled with the spices of our heritage, something I forgot as I grew older. Now I recall fondly- my childhood Christmas with joy and wonder. Indeed it was great!

*Pictures are from Google TT images.


Have a happy and joyous holiday season 

Dwordslayer





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Let's Talk... A Love That Lasts

The courage to carry “To have a love that lasts forever, is to truly understand vows and commitment” (Eversley,2016) In all of my forty six years of life  I have waited for the commitment of true love. To really believe that there are people in this world who can cherish and care for another romantically has become a faded dream. A dream which has been archived into the fantasy part of my mental library. The love stories of long marriages  which are not abusive or filled with indiscretions seem ancient. The new lifestyle sets a pathway to divorces which have become their own academy awards on film. Acceptance of prenuptial agreements and exit clauses are now necessary when thinking of love – whether in a celebrity career or leading a nondescript livelihood. To this end I did weep when I read  from a friend and learned of his devotion, marriage and love for his wife. Let’s be real, and understand this is a true ongoing story of endurance, commitment, passion fo...

Reflections - Value Each Day!

Putting a value on time .. I’ve never been able to figure weekends out. I love Mondays. In fact give me everyday of the week and I love them. I love the days because there are so many opportunities and things  which are waiting for my discovery! Each day brings something new. For me it may be the same job status, the same car, the same family, the same 24 hours- what makes it different is me. The challenges never change, but my attitude does. I must change to go after my dreams, desires, to fulfill my purpose. I might look the same on the outside, but quite a lot is happening on the inside. I’m dreaming! There is a plan for something more to happen, then it happens unexpectedly and I’m ready! While waiting I’m there seeking out, creating, and finding each day different. Reflection: Enjoy each day Pause, wait, look around and smell the scent of the present you are in. I smell the salt in the sea wherever I am when I pause. That’s my moment of joy. Facing the sun, with t...

A Canopy of Grace

Photo Credits: unsplash.com/Thom Milkovic   Drop your canopy O Lord, let it fall on the earth. Let it pick up all the people who are suffering and hurt. Let your canopy be big enough, that everyone can fit, Lord please I beg you, allow everyone to see it. Drop your canopy on the ground O Lord, Because some people cannot look up high For these are the people who love you, and without it may surely die. Drop your canopy dear Lord, for the little children to see Especially, the ones who are impoverished and living in poverty Drop your biggest canopy dear God on the earth Let it be enough, like a berth awaiting vessels to sail A mooring prepared with glorious flair, just waiting For the people to get there. Drop it, just drop it on the earth Drop it because you care. Please let your canopy fall dear Lord, because not everyone can see Let the ones who need it most dear Lord, be covered by its safety. Drop your canopy my Lord and Savior, drop it on the...