Thursday, January 11, 2007

funny watery windy travel tradition..


now I have a story..
not an emotional one .. this time .. a funny one..
but before.. I have to give some explanations..so that you can understand the funny part.
In my country..there are many many tradiotions and rituals.. I know you are now thinking.. so what.. in all countries there are..

but the more you go to the east.. the more you have traditions..
don't forget the sun rises from east =)) and I am an eastern..

so when someone we love is departing.. for travel..
we are pouring a jug of water on the road.. throwing it as far as we can.. at the same direction that the vehicle he takes starts moving.. saying out loud .. go as the water ../ sular gibi git / .. and we say silently.. as an inner voice.. come back as the water../sular gibi dön/..this part is silent.. to not to attract the attention of evil.. sometimes.. we have a wetting accdent when doing it.. but this is a minor trouble if compared to all others..

the water finds its way.. has always a way to go..
and we believe that the loved one will travel swiftly.. without an accident.. and will come back soon without trouble.. =)).. that is the important part.. coming back..

so today..I have finally posted the long ago promessed contribution to Kim's project.. I am a bit late but .. you will excuse me.. I told you earlier about my mood.. nor being crafty and all.. so Kim forgive me.. I did it finally right??
I went to the hospital.. and asked my assistant ( male- 40 ) to take the parcel to the post office.. and ask if there are faster ways of sending..and so..

he came back saying he did send it..
I suddenly felt awkward .. because it was not me in person who posted it as I wished.... and an uncontrolled question came out ..
-did you say.. have a good journey??
quickly came the answer..
- yes but I did not throw out water..
-no.. don't.. we don't want it to come back.. we want it to reach Kim..

and I laughed out loud..
this is not the normal conversation at the hospital you know..
we talk about how to manipulate.. take care.. give service to the patients..
not about rituals and so..
when I think back.. we should.. =))

yes it is on it's way.. the post-office man told that t will arrive to the destination in 7 days .. which means in 10 days.. Kim..
and you bloggers and visitors..don't wait for a photo.. I did not take any photos.. it will be a surprise for her.. and if she likes she will post it on her blog.. all I can tell is the theme title I choose for it..
' women of different culture and eras.. united by craft'
all you have as a photo today.. is the windmill .. near my summer cottage..
why did I chose it..

well you can accept it as an energetic goodbye gesture to the parcel..

or find a wise saying of your own..
have a nice day.. nicest of all..
ps.. I have tried to visit all of my blogger friends since yesterday.. but some pages insist on no-downloading.. so if you haven't heard from me.. for some time.. it is not me to blame.. but the web.. I will come and try again soon.. until then..

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Pinar,
I love your story. I so hope your package arrives safely to your friend Kim. I think it is in the Postal Service's hands now. Here we sometimes cross our fingers for luck...Maybe we could give that a try.

Take care,
Connie
http://seriousmumbojumbo.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Dear Pinar,
I love your story. I so hope your package arrives safely to your friend Kim. I think it is in the Postal Service's hands now. Here we sometimes cross our fingers for luck...Maybe we could give that a try.

Take care,
Connie
http://seriousmumbojumbo.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Dear Pinar,
I love your story. I so hope your package arrives safely to your friend Kim. I think it is in the Postal Service's hands now. Here we sometimes cross our fingers for luck...Maybe we could give that a try.

Take care,
Connie
http://seriousmumbojumbo.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Dear Pinar,
I love your story. I so hope your package arrives safely to your friend Kim. I think it is in the Postal Service's hands now. Here we sometimes cross our fingers for luck...Maybe we could give that a try.

Take care,
Connie
http://seriousmumbojumbo.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Dear Pinar,
I love your story. I so hope your package arrives safely to your friend Kim. I think it is in the Postal Service's hands now. Here we sometimes cross our fingers for luck...Maybe we could give that a try.

Take care,
Connie
http://seriousmumbojumbo.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Great water tradition. Water is so essential and life giving. I am going out to a small holy island in our fjord tomorrow to plan a seminar we'll have there in June about water.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful tradition. Thanks for sharing it. I would have never known such if you hadn't told the story.

I'm sure Kim's package will arrive safely.

Please keep telling us about your wonderful traditions.

Jill

Heather said...

I really like this tradition and the special words said with it! Beautiful thoughts.

One Crabapple said...

How interesting to hear of this "throwing the water" tradition. And yes ! good thing he did not throw the water after the necklace pieces ! laughing here too.

I was trying to think of what we do...Bon Voyage parties are often marked with champagne and the bottle broken on the bow of the ship ... but WHY ? I don;t know ! you have inspired me to look into that and find out JUST WHY it is and also to see if there are lost traditions for bidding the traveler "adieu".

I always learn something with your Pinar. Always !

I am sure the necklace pieces are as interesting as you are. I cannot wait to see them !

Love your windmill picture.
Would also love to see that summer cottage.

Annie Jeffries said...

Charming story Pinar and good to know that your assistant understood what was necessry to ensure a safe and successful journey for the package. I can't think of a water tradition here for traveling but often rather than saying good-bye, we say farewell. I think this is the hint that we are wishing a good trip and a safe return.

Anonymous said...

I really miss your daily blogging and commenting Pinar. I hope you are okay!

jessica said...

hello pinar,
when visiting istanbul i remember shopkeepers splashing water on the sidewalk. it seemed ceremonial, but i thought they were just refreshing the walkway.

pinar, when i was in bodrum i saw large pillows used for laying in the sun. two is used. under the back area there is an angular piece to prop up the back area. i had pillows made and now i need to find a picture of this angular piece. so i can have it made. i wonder if you can direct me to see a picture of one. thanks, jessica (jtanyu@aol.com)

Cat said...

I love hearing of your traditions, they are so very interesting and charming.

For a journey I sometimes say "God Speed" and I don't think it means fast, but rather to go with God's accompaniment. Another phrase that comes to mind with a journey is "May the wind be at your back" which is Irish, but since we are motorcyclists we say "May the wind be in your face!" LOL!

To you I say - may you continue telling us your wonderful customs and sharing your life, and may all your hearts desires be true!

Anonymous said...

I love this story - and the tradition!