Well...after months of anticipation and weeks of preparation, Samson's party finally happened on the 15th. In the week ahead my mother began to acquire food and cleaning like a women possessed. A few days before, nuts were shelled and mixed, chicken cleaned, and vegetables cut. The day before, the day was spent baking all sorts of pastries (more then I have ever seen, actually) and making salads. My grandmother's sister and her granddaughter arrived a few days ahead of time, and when the big day arrived, other members of the family were at the house at 10 am to start everything rolling. It was family effort to get all of the tables set up (although mostly men) and an equally big effort to get the tables set (although mostly women). My small living room was lined with tables, with a small space left in the middle for the dancing that was sure to happen. We set the tables for around 60 people..although more plates were squeezed in as people arrived. The men took charge of setting up the horavats, and they cooked the chicken and cutlet that the women had prepped in the previous days.
Around 5 people began pouring in, and when it appeared that no one else could fit into my house, everyone began to pile into the living room and find seats and plates. Of course, along Armenian tradition, all of the men sat grouped together (to facilitate that great amount of toasting that would take place) and the women sat grouped together (to facilitate the great amount of gossiping that would take place). While most of the food was already placed on the very full tables, the horavats was brought in and staked on top of other food because there was simply no room left on the tables.
Within the first 5 minutes of sitting, vodka and wine were poured, and the toasts began. As a woman, I went a bit against the grain (oops) and poured myself vodka instead of wine. I don't think anyone really noticed though, they were all toasting for the person of the hour (or hours, really) my brother Samson. Toasts were given to his health, his time in the army, his mother and father, his family, and whatever anyone else could possibly think of. In case you were wondering, there were lots of repeats as well.
Unlike in America, when everyone was finished eating though, the food was not cleared. It stays on the table to snack on while people continue to talk and drink, and in our case, dance. The young kids took the initiative on this one. Large speakers appeared and music was blasted. The kids danced in a normal Armenian style, with the music occasionally shut off to accommodate another toast or two or three. Around this time, another round of food was brought out to re energize everyone. And, in case you were wondering, I did dance. It took one or two shots of vodka, but with lots of encouragement, I danced all Armenian along with the rest of them. There are pictures to prove it. Armenian dancing involves very little hip movement, and lots of arm and leg movement. You basically put your hands in the air and move your wrists and hands all around while moving your legs to the rhythm of the music. It is pretty amazing how quickly some of the Armenian's can move!
Around midnight, most of the guests began to file out, and the group of young kids, my tatik, host mum, and one drunken son-in-law was left at the table. Oops..just called by my family to have some coffee..so I am going to wrap this up for you quick. The drunken man was trying to talk to me in a mix of Russian and some crazy Armenian barbar (slang), and that left my very drunk brother to translate for me into Armenian that I would understand. The situation had me laughing to the point of tears. Cognac had come out at that time, and the man decided to toast me. The toast lasted about 20 minutes, with several class clinkings happening. He essentially wished a happy marriage and 5 children on me. yup. 5 kids. I made a face and quickly took another shot of cognac, my reaction had the rest of the table laughing, but I don't think the man got it!
Well..I am on my third 'ari' (come!) call from the kitchen, best get going!
7 days!
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