Meal Time

Meals are normally served in one large bowl. At meal time everyone gathers around the bowl. Before and after a meal a bowl of water will be provided for washing your hands. Always eat with only your right hand! The host or hostess will normally say bismillah in the name of God as a signal to begin eating.

Conversation is usually kept to a minimum while eating. You should eat only from the place directly in front of you. If you want a piece of vegetable or meat from the center of the bowl, break off a small piece and put it in the place in front of you. When you have finished you should move away from the bowl, rather than waiting until every­one is finished. People will always protest that you should eat more, in which case Mi haarii is the appropriate reply. Something to drink is provided only after the meal.

In a large village compound the men and women eat separately. The children may also be given a separate bowl, depending upon how many people live in the compound. As a guest you may often be given a separate bowl to eat from in a room by yourself, as a sign of respect. People are, however, often pleased if you want to eat with them. (Although you shouldn't insist on this if you are only a guest for a day or two. In that case, let them decide upon the arrangements.) Male guests should only eat with the men if they are not given a separate bowl. Female guests eat with the women or alone. When the food is served, everyone will automatically invite you to eat with them at their bowl. In that case, simply say Mi haarii and wait for the proper group to eat with or for your own bowl.

If you enter a compound at meal time you will always be invited to stay and eat. In turn, you should always invite people to join you if they find you eating. People never consider how much food there is to feed how many people. They are only concerned to share what they have with everyone present. If you don't want to eat, say Mi haarii. If people are insistent, eat only one or two handfulls of food and then say Mi haarii. It is more polite to taste a little bit than to refuse to share in a meal entirely.

Sharing a meal

In rural areas as well as in the cities, meals are eaten together in one large bowl. In a small family, everyone eats together in a large dish. However, for large family or during holidays there are separate dishes for men, women and children. Before eating people wash thoroughly their hands. Here, there are no lengthy prayers before eating; a simple Bissimilay would be enough. People eat in front of them and are considerate of the others. After the meal people washed their hands and give thanks: attaya . In this society it is not impolite to burp witch is the sign that somebody has eaten well. The family may share cola nuts or tea attaya afterwards. Cakri is often served as dessert.

Drinks

In these Muslims regions there are no elaborate drinks. During the meal time the only available drink is water. Served in gourd or calabashes. In addition to the proverbial daily tea, and the morning coffee, other drinks offered are Tuffam , a watered down sour milk served with or without sugar, ginger , a ginger drink and bissap follere, a drink made from an hibiscus flower. In the larger towns, soft drinks, and other modern beverages are also served at special occasions.

Tea ceremony

Drinking Tea is an important social function. A great deal of ceremony surrounds the making and serving of tea. Every day, families or tea-drinking groups meet to take part in the ceremony of the three teas. It could be done any time a day, but usual in the Afternoon. As the saying goes: The first cup is strong like life; the second is sweet like love; and the third is sweeter with mint. The ceremony is very formal, and serving tea is an important way of welcoming someone: if strangers visit, they will always be offered tea and dates.

Making tea

Empty a bag of tea leaves into the teapot, and add appropriate amount of water. Bring it to boil in a special tea pot. Then put fresh mint and sugar directly in the tea pot or into a second teapot for a better mix. To serve, hold the pot high and pour it into a series of small glasses. Holding the pot high creates foam and also cools the tea so that it can be quickly drinkable. People take time over the tea, chatting around the teapot on the stove. Both young and old enjoy drinking tea.

The Cola Nut, Goro

After a copious meal, especially during holidays and ceremonies, a cola nut is used to complete the meal. The cola nut is broken into small pieces and shared between family and friends.

The cola nut has a very special meaning in West African Cultures. It is used to seal agreements and contracts. For example it is widely distributed at weddings, naming ceremonies, and conflict mediation.

The cola nut symbolizes understanding, friendship and unity. (see Pictures