Inauguration Weekend

Inauguration weekend in Washington, D.C. is a special time to celebrate U.S. history and revel in our country's diversity.  My weekend has been no exception.  It started off with an Inaugural and Vasilica Masquerade Party at the Macedonian Ambassador's residence, organized by the United Macedonian Diaspora.  I was not about the miss the opportunity to kick off Inaugural weekend alongside some of my favorite returned Peace Corps buddies!  The event was also a celebration of the Macedonian Orthodox New Year (according to the Julian calendar).  Party-goers wore masks in celebration of Vasilica, a 1,400-year-old tradition in Macedonia with Pagan and Christian influences.

The next day, when I heard the nearby drums of a pow-wow, I stumbled upon a truly unique event right outside my apartment building.  It turns out that the American Indian Society of D.C. organized an Inaugural reception, pow wow and craft fair, open to the public.  I was happy to not have missed this opportunity to participate and learn more about the special relationship American Indians have built with President Obama.  I was explained that Obama promised to strengthen ties with the American Indian community before his presidency began, and that as President he meets with tribal leaders annually.  In 2008, Obama was honorarily adopted by the Crow Nation and Black Eagle family, and given the name Awe Kooda bilaxpak Kuuxshish ("One Who Helps People Throughout the Land").  The above painting was created by Bunky Echohawk.

The next day I went to a Mongolian hair-cutting ceremony!  In Mongolian culture, a baby's first haircut is a unique rite of passage with spiritual significance. Here I am partaking in baby Landon's hair-cutting ceremony, or milaan.  The ceremony falls on an auspicious date in every Mongolian toddler's life, usually between the ages of 2 and 4 (the date is determined by the lunar calendar). Each guest cut a strand of Landon's hair using a pair of scissors wrapped in blue ribbon, and blessed Landon with wishes for his future.  I could not help but also capture a picture of the food, since Ugie had a sumptuous variety of Mongolian, Russian and other international delights waiting for guests!

This weekend was capped off with an unforgettable morning on the National Mall...

Inauguration and Martin Luther King Day is a time to reflect on our shared values, our progress as a nation, and the responsibilities that lie ahead.  President Obama's Inauguration speech was an inspiring call to action, and he ended it with moving words: "Let each of us now embrace, with solemn duty and awesome joy, what is our lasting birthright. With common effort and common purpose, with passion and dedication, let us answer the call of history, and carry into an uncertain future that precious light of freedom."