Celebrating Punishment!

Last Saturday was spent in celebration of the life of Punishment.  Punishment was a symbol of strength, kindness, generosity and friendship in King Weston.  He was in his mid-80’s when he suffered from a stroke.  His birth name is Alfred Wright but his yard name was Punishment.  Jamaicans have birth names and yard names – yard names are used informally.  Children use their birth names at school and yard names at home.  I’m not sure why Alfred was given Punishment as his yard name, but there is a reason. 

So, I attended the funeral up in King Weston.  The tiny church was packed!!  People were looking in from the windows on the sides of the church.  I was surprised by how uplifting atmosphere of the funeral.  Hardly anyone was in tears; they were all happy and thankful for the life of Punishment.  Directly after the funeral was the burial.  Almost everyone attempted the steep and intimidating ascend up the mountain.  As I was waiting for a taxi to take me back down after the funeral, a lady stopped and insisted that I come up for the party.  She told me I must try the goat soup, which is made from the goat’s intestines.  She told me I must also eat the curried goat, fried chicken and rice and peas.  So, I walked up with her and she had me take a seat.  She brought out the soup.  It was delicious!  Then she brought out a huge dinner serving, a water and a cola.  It was all so tasty! I then had some great conversation with the locals -- I am so happy I went!!