Harriet Hill
Phoenixville, PA
Born to Dutch dairy farmers in LA, lived life cross-culturally, especially in Africa , now pursuing my first love, making art.
MessageI like to think of myself as the center of the universe.
Which would be fine if it were true.
I'm actually one link in a long line reaching as far back as I can see—through my parents in California to my grandparents in Grand Rapids and the Netherlands. And reaching forward through my kids and grandkid, as well as through colleagues.
One of the many fêtes (celebratory rituals) of the Adioukrou we experienced while living with them was the Fête of Eb Eb.
Seven chairs were set out in a courtyard going from a large overstuffed easy chair to a small one-bun-only stool.
The society was divided into 7 age classes, each with their role clearly defined, from those in power to lead the village down to the youngest age class who who were stuck with keeping the village tidy and running errands.
A representative of each age class sat in the chairs, according to their rank.
Every 7 years, the age class moved one chair up the ladder. A visual, participatory experience with music, dance, speeches and food to mark that the their roles had changed. The baton was being passed on.
Maybe witnessing that fête, living in that society gives me a good foundation to see the passing of the baton as a wonderful, natural thing.
I'm delighted to see my kids and grandkids and colleagues continuing on, building on those who went before, and taking things to levels I never dreamed of.
Maybe my parents felt the same!