In my days here, I've learned a few lessons, religiously speaking. Here they are, in no particular order...
1) Nuns do not appreciate being addressed as "Auntie". Rather, the proper term of address is, "Ma Soeur". Do not forget.
2) For as much as Arabs kiss (when you greet someone or when you give them leave, it is always with at least one kiss, but more likely two or three, or if you're really friendly even more), they do not kiss at the Sign of Peace during Mass. Another thing to put down to memory.
3) Do not - I repeat, Do Not - cross your legs during Mass. Doing so could very likely result in public humiliation from one of the Church elders, or worse, from the Priest himself.
This third rule, I know it well, but earlier this evening at Mass, I forgot much to my chagrin.
When I was young, our family would always go to Mass together in the States. My mother was of strict Arab upbringing, and would always remind me not to cross my legs: "For shame, Mama. We are in the house of the Lord." I would always complain to my mother, "Look Mom. Look at all these other people who are crossing their legs." Truly, the better part of the congregation had their legs crossed. Still, it was of no consequence to my mother who would always respond, "Do you always do what others do?"
Now that I'm grown up, I try and keep the rules straight. But today, I forgot. Fortunately, the priest reminded me, both gently and privately, so as not to subject me to public humiliation. Apparently, it was clear to him that I had come from the States and was therefore, in his mind, excused.
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“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” - St. Augustine
2 comments:
Rule #3 is also alive and well at St. George's Syrian Orthodox Church in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Three generations in America, and my family will still jab you in the knee if you even think about crossing your legs. Why does it matter? If you're wearing a skirt, does it show too much leg?
Apparently, rule #3 applies to both men and women. Over the years, I've heard two explanations:
1) When one's leg's are crossed (as a man would do, anyway), they quite literally form the shape of a cross, which is in a sense sacrilegious and accordingly inappropriate for church.
2) Crossing one's legs is an informal way of sitting and is just too relaxed and therefore too disrespectful for being in the presence of God.
I didn't dare ask the priest on Saturday as to, "why" though. It was enough that he gently reminded me not to cross my legs; I didn't want to push my luck.
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