I used to want to be Italian.
I was so envious of the big family gatherings with its noisy conversations, the joking, the copious amounts of food, the little children running over the old peoples’ feet. The dozens of cousins.
On Sunday, my kids wanted to be Greek.
We were at the baptism for the third child of close friends. Walking into the stunning Greek Orthodox church for the ceremony, I was reminded of when their other two children were baptized and of their wedding. We have been part of several of this family’s big events, and I recognized quite a few people.
After the traditional and lovely Greek ceremony, we went to a function hall for dinner. It took a little while, but pretty soon, my kids were off and running through the building with the other kids, acting as if they too had dark hair, dark eyes—in other words, acting just like they too were cousins.
On the dance floor, the girls joined the circle to dance to the Greek music.
I later told them that one of the things I love most about this type of gathering is knowing that the same music and dancing, these customs, have been done by people for thousands of years. Being a part of it is like being a part of the link between the past and the future.
The girls really enjoyed the traditional Greek music and tried to figure out the dance steps the grownups were doing. Jilly almost made me spit my drink out when she excitedly said, “MOMMY! We HAVE to get this CD!”
Even D enjoyed the dancing, albeit for different reasons. Seems he already knows how to pick ’em.
I’m with you. I so wish I would have married a Latin or Italian or something so I could jazz up my WASPy background. 🙂 Of course, he wishes the same.
Opa!
Cute picture of Jill!
Love Jilly’s outfit!
Va-va-voom! Look at those gams!
For a second I thought you were speaking about Jen‘s family and I was JEALOUS!
After reading this post I’ve decided once the kids are in bed (only 9 more hours!) I’m gonna have some ouzo and watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
I share your love of long-standing customs and traditions. Sadly, we don’t really have that either in our family.
But at least your kids had the chance to enjoy themselves, and act Greek for one day. 🙂
Yeah, I wish we grew up with cousins. But just think of all the kooky family you’d have to put up with. I have enough, thank you…
Whereas I was always thankful my family was so boring. It always seemed like the big families took alot more energy lol.