Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend
Michael Sortomme © 2013
www.michaelsortomme.com
I am a genetic world traveler, a Sámi/Jewish/Rromany/Traveller, who remembers my intrepid Ancestors fondly on a daily basis. As we all gather to celebrate Memorial Day this year, despite climate change catastrophes, fighting several wars, some covert, some acknowledged, I remind us all to look deeply within and remember our people, regardless where our roots lie.
Today, May 24th, is a Holy Day for Rromany people, the Feast Day for our collective ruling Mother, Saint Sarah, known to us as Sara e Kali. Hundreds and sometimes thousands from all over the world gather in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France, on this day, each year. The ancient Occitan Capital where many believe Mary Magdalene landed with her daughter Sarah, fleeing extermination of the 1st Century Levant, fills with psychedelic colors and loud voices all our own that are fearsome for some. In an ancient church that still stands complete, a statue of Saint Sarah stands to greet her guests with a faint smile, Her shining black face full of serene expectation.
The first time I heard an old recording from post-World War II of Zingari Elders singing laments and prayers for protection and calls of praise, I wept with the knowledge of my genetic past. Today I do the same, remembering tribulations of the Shoah and worldwide prejudice that forces many of us to stay in hiding, generation after generation. I also cry with joy, hearing the beautiful dulcet tones of Gitano guitars, the beat of Flamenco feet and the elevated notes of the giant golden harps of the Polska Roma. Few of our people still travel the roads of the Campania, but we travel in our hearts and minds, like the Chovihani mystics of the Sinti did and continue to do so, over time and space, through despair and longing, to find our heart-home, always welcoming, always there.
Blessed Be our collective Ancestors on these few days dedicated to remembering.
Shalom, today and always….
Michael Sortomme © 2013
www.michaelsortomme.com
I am a genetic world traveler, a Sámi/Jewish/Rromany/Traveller, who remembers my intrepid Ancestors fondly on a daily basis. As we all gather to celebrate Memorial Day this year, despite climate change catastrophes, fighting several wars, some covert, some acknowledged, I remind us all to look deeply within and remember our people, regardless where our roots lie.
Today, May 24th, is a Holy Day for Rromany people, the Feast Day for our collective ruling Mother, Saint Sarah, known to us as Sara e Kali. Hundreds and sometimes thousands from all over the world gather in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France, on this day, each year. The ancient Occitan Capital where many believe Mary Magdalene landed with her daughter Sarah, fleeing extermination of the 1st Century Levant, fills with psychedelic colors and loud voices all our own that are fearsome for some. In an ancient church that still stands complete, a statue of Saint Sarah stands to greet her guests with a faint smile, Her shining black face full of serene expectation.
The first time I heard an old recording from post-World War II of Zingari Elders singing laments and prayers for protection and calls of praise, I wept with the knowledge of my genetic past. Today I do the same, remembering tribulations of the Shoah and worldwide prejudice that forces many of us to stay in hiding, generation after generation. I also cry with joy, hearing the beautiful dulcet tones of Gitano guitars, the beat of Flamenco feet and the elevated notes of the giant golden harps of the Polska Roma. Few of our people still travel the roads of the Campania, but we travel in our hearts and minds, like the Chovihani mystics of the Sinti did and continue to do so, over time and space, through despair and longing, to find our heart-home, always welcoming, always there.
Blessed Be our collective Ancestors on these few days dedicated to remembering.
Shalom, today and always….
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