Pumpkin Soup Day

Happy New Year! In the US there is a huge party in New York that has a huge ball that falls at midnight to bring in the new year. There are resolutions made-- of which many will be broken or forgotten within the first month. There are church parties, house parties, traditions. Everyone is excited about a new chance for change...maybe this year. 

In Haiti, though, it is a new year but it is also independence day so there is even more to celebrate. Tomorrow, everyone will eat pumpkin soup. Why pumpkin soup? How about some history...

Haiti is the second oldest country in the Western Hemisphere after the US. Haitian slaves won their freedom and independence from their French masters and Napoleon's great army in the fall of 1803 and declared their independence on January 1, 1804. When the French ruled, the slaves were not allowed to eat the same food as their masters--specifically pumpkin soup. So, on January 1st, 1804, the newly free people did just that--they ate soup. 

That tradition continues today. If I were in Haiti tomorrow and I went to visit 3 families, it would be incredibly likely that I would eat 3 bowls of soup, no matter the time of day. Businesses would be closed. Things would be quiet overall. But on the 2nd, things would not be quiet.

The 2nd is feasting day! Families get together and have something like a thanksgiving dinner-Haiti version. Turkey, goat, rice and beans, pikliz, salad, and cake is usually on the menu. You never know who will show up! In my limited  experience, this is the day when you see many members of your extended family--not necessarily on Christmas or New Years. 

So, from pumpkin soup to a great feast, the next couple of days are of great importance in Haitian culture. As this new year begins, watch for new blessings and pray that God's fame would continue to be spread here, in Haiti, and around the world.

Be blessed this year friends.