Crydie

When thinking of death, ‘celebration’ usually isn't the first word that comes to mind. However, here in Cameroon that is exactly what death entails, a celebration. With mortality being high here death is unfortunately all too familiar. But instead of choosing to grieve over the fact that life is gone, a more optimistic approach is adopted. The people decide it is better to celebrate the memory of the life that was. During the burial there will naturally be mourning. But once this is done, there are days of feasting. This is locally referred to as a crydie. All the village comes together to remember one of their own that has passed on. Relatives will come from all corners of Cameroon, some even flying home from the US, to take part in saying goodbye. All local shops and businesses are deserted, everyone is busy contributing what they can for the crydie. Local palmwine tappers offer ten or twenty liters to the family. Women gather day and night to prepare food for the masses of people that will be assembling. Hundreds of plastic chairs and tents are brought in from town for the event. Polo shirts are printed with a picture of the deceased along with a few words of condolences. On some occasions, banners are hung over roads in honor of the deceased. People make their way to the compounds holding the event. They take seats among friends and relatives and hold lively discussions. Upon being seated someone promptly arrives with a pitcher overflowing with palmwine. Shortly after, food is served. Possibly plantains, beans, rice, erro, njamanjama, foufou, ndole, or other local specialities. With a satisfied stomach the dancing can begin. Men gather with a variety of old, traditional drums, flutes, bells, and begin playing rhythms that take you back to another age. Slowly people gather in a circle and dance around the drummers. One by one people will contribute money in the center to help offset the costs of the crydie. The dancing goes on and on. And when it finally finishes, another group of musicians takes their place. As twilight sets in, those who are tired once again find seats. While enjoying another glass of palmwine someone comes around serving chunks of freshly roasted pork. As it gets dark, some people wonder if the unreliable electricity will cut the event short. Fortunately, generators are often brought, and the celebration continues well into the night. Another round of food is brought out, the hosts doing everything they can to ensure that their guests are comfortable. As the stars come out one by one some guests begin to make their way home. Others linger on, knowing that there is still more food to come. As the celebration slowly comes to a close, people are content, they are happy. The death of a friend is never easy to cope with. But here, death seems to teach those who are still living to appreciate the lives they have. So instead of mourning and allowing depression to sink in, death is countered by a reminder to live life to the fullest.