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Baptism of the Baby

After dancing the night away, we went to Yesenia's mothers' house for a going away party for Jennifer. Jennifer is the new bride of Oscar, Yesenia's brother. She is from Canada and was on her way back home. She came to Arequipa in March to take the same program I am taking. She got more than a TEFL certificate on this trip!

Jennifer and Oscar were married a couple of days before I arrived, so had only been married about 6 weeks when Jennifer had to return to Canada. They are hoping Oscar will be able to get his visa and follow her by April. Let's hope it works out sooner for they are a lovely couple!

The party was for the entire family, so several aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and great grandparents were there. Four generations were present! I felt honored being invited to the family event.

After several pisco sours and a great meal, they brought out a fantastic chocolate cake and made many toasts to the new couple. I was getting ready to leave when I was told they had a special tradition I needed to stay for. It was time for the "Baptism of the Baby".

A baby, made of a special bread only made during October and November, was presented to the new couple for the baptism ceremony. Yesenia's grandfather, dressed up as the pope, conducted the ceremony. First there was the naming of the baby - which was very humorous (wish I could have understood more Spanish!) and then the blessing. It was all quite funny. After the ceremony, the baby was cut up and everyone had a piece of the blessed one.

I thought it was interesting that Catholics would have such a spoof as a tradition!

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