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| Christmas season flowers in rural Mizoram |
- Written by Dr. Lalzarzoa,
Kawnveng, Sialsuk
As the festive season approaches, my thoughts drift back to the idyllic Christmases of my rural Mizoram childhood. In this northeastern Indian state, Christmas was a time of simple joys, deeply intertwined with nature's beauty and community traditions.
The Harbingers of Christmas
For me, three flowers held special significance: Tlangsam Par, Nihawi/Bawngpu/Krismas Par, and Kawihṭhuang Par. Their blossoming marked the beginning of Christmas celebrations evoked memories of childhood wonder.
Tlangsam Par (Chromolaena odorata)
Tlangsam Par's delicate lavender hues would emerge along roadsides, hill slopes, and forest paths in our village, Sialsuk, as early as mid-November. This flower is not only a harbinger of Christmas but also a valuable herb, used to treat wounds and fever.
Nihawi/Bawngpu/Krismas Par (Tithonia diversifolia)
Nihawi Par, also known as Bawngpu Par or Krismas Par, burst forth with vibrant orange-yellow flowers towards the end of November. Mostly seen in forest cliffs, hill slopes, and mostly Khamhnuai area (Sialsuk), its bright hues illuminated our enthusiasm.
In our community, its blooms symbolised the arrival of Christmas, sparking excitement for festivities.
Kawihṭhuang Par (Leucosceptrum canum & phlogocanthus nees)
Kawihṭhuang Par boasts two species: Ṭhuangpui
(Leucosceptrum canum) with snow-white blossoms and a smaller, pale red variant, affectionately known as Ṭhuangte or Vatezu (Phlogocanthus nees) in some villages. Its sweet fragrance and delicate beauty captivated our young hearts.
Both the flower buds held a secret treasure – a sweet, irresistible taste. Birds, bees, and hungry rural kids like us would savour its sweetness, a rare treat in our simple lives.
Community Feast – A Time for Togetherness
Christmas meant a grand community feast, (ruaiṭheh) fostering unity and social cohesion. Our village would come alive with the aroma of roasting meat, steaming vegetables, and freshly baked local bread called Chhangban or Zo chhang.
We relished local delicacies such as 'Vawksa' (pork), 'arsa' (chicken), 'Sarep' (smoked meat), and 'Bai' (Mizo curry). The feast reinforced community bonds, strengthening relationships among families and friends.
School Holidays – Wandering the Forest
School holidays were a time for limitless exploration and adventure. We spent hours wandering through the forest and hills, fishing in streams, climbing trees, and discovering wild fruits. We also enjoyed searching for crabs (chakai khawrh) in the shallow waters of nearby streams. Football matches were another thrilling part of our breaks.
Our favorite pastimes included sava veh, or catapulting birds, using makeshift catapults crafted from branches and rubber bands, although we rarely caught any. We also enjoyed thangkam, making bird traps that tested our ingenuity.
Collecting firewood was another essential activity, providing a valuable resource for our community. During Christmas, this task became even more significant, known as thing tuak, or Christmas firewood collection.
We would gather logs, twigs, and branches, carefully storing them in our wooden shed (thingkhawn).Then, our parents would purchase the collected firewood, exchanging it for Christmas pocket money.
This entrepreneurial experience taught us the value of hard work and resourcefulness, lessons that have stayed with us long after our school days.
Childhood Memories
Growing up in Mizoram's countryside instilled in me a profound appreciation for simplicity and community, especially during Christmas.
Christmas was a special time, filled with warm family gatherings and joyful reunions. We shared stories, laughter, and timeless traditions that brought us even closer together. Savory traditional feasts (Krismas ruaitheh) and rare treats delighted our senses. New clothes and cherished memories made the season even more magical.
The rustic landscape came alive with the sounds of the season: rustling leaves, chirping birds, and gentle breezes carrying whispers of Christmas carols.
Those idyllic days remain etched in my heart, a reminder of the true essence of Christmas: love, connection, and community.
Legacy of Memories
Even now, memories of those blossoming flowers transport me back to a time when life was uncomplicated. As I reflect on those idyllic days, I realise the importance of preserving local knowledge and experiences.
Tlangsam Par, Nihawi/Bawngpu/Krismas Par, and Kawihṭhuang Par remain etched in my heart, reminding me of the beauty and simplicity of rural Mizoram's Christmas season.
Theoretical Perspectives
This introspective reflection explores the nostalgia-tinged memories of my rural Mizoram childhood, situated within the context of theoretical frameworks that underscore the interconnectedness of place, community, and nature.
Notably, the following conceptual frameworks provide insight into the formative experiences of my rural upbringing:
1. Topophilia [Yi-Fu Tuan, "Topophilia: A Study of Environmental Perception, Attitudes, and Values" (1974)]: This phenomenon, characterized by an affective bond between individuals and their environment, is evident in my enduring emotional connection to the rural landscape.
2. Biophilia [Edward O. Wilson, "Biophilia" (1984)]: Growing up amidst nature fostered an innate affinity for the environment, cultivating a profound appreciation for the natural world.
3. Social Capital [Robert D. Putnam, "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community" (2000)]: The robust community ties I experienced in rural Mizoram exemplify the principles of social capital, wherein relationships, trust, and reciprocity generate resilient and supportive social networks.
4. Sense of Community [David W. McMillan and David M. Chavis, "Sense of Community: A Definition and Theory" (1986)]: My childhood experiences align with the four essential elements of sense of community: membership, influence, integration, and shared emotional connection.
5. Place Attachment [Irwin Altman and Setha M. Low, "Place Attachment" (1992)]: The rural landscape and community served as a vital source of identity, comfort, and security, fostering strong place attachment.
6. Environmental Nostalgia [Fred Davis, "Yearning for Yesterday: A Sociology of Nostalgia" (1979)]: Memories of my rural childhood evoke a nostalgic longing for the natural environment and simpler way of life.
7. Collective Memory [Maurice Halbwachs, "The Collective Memory" (1950)]: Shared experiences and narratives within my community created a collective memory, reinforcing social bonds and cultural heritage.
8. Rural Identity [Paul Cloke, "Conceptualizing Rurality" (2006)]: Growing up in a rural setting significantly shaped my identity, influencing my values, attitudes, and worldview.
9. Nature Deficit Disorder [Richard Louv, "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder" (2005)]: Conversely, my childhood experiences in nature mitigated the potential for nature deficit disorder, promoting physical and mental well-being.
This theoretical examination illuminates the profound impact of place, community, and nature on human experience, underscoring the lasting influence of my rural Mizoram upbringing on my identity, values, and relationships.
Conclusion: A Nostalgic Reflection
Reflecting on my childhood, I cherish those simple joys. Growing up in a humble village family, our simplicity was rooted in community and nature. Christmas in rural Mizoram taught me that true happiness lies in simplicity, relationships, and harmony with nature.
May the spirit of the Christmas season bring you peace, love, and cherished memories.
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