And, thus, I wear the Rakee
Trip Start
Jan 13, 2005
1
17
23
Trip End
Apr 28, 2005
Chennai/Madras,
India
Saturday, March 5, 2005
During our time of getting to know each other while we spent time in Chennai, they told me of the Indian ritual of the rakee, a wrist-band of sorts that resembles the rahksha bandee. Rahksha bandee means, in a loose translation, 'protective relationship.'
When a girl has a male in her life that she sees as a protective male, she pulls out a rakee and ties it to his wrist. He is then bound as a brother to her, as a sister. He looks out for her well being, offers her money or provision as needed, and partakes in all of the traditional responsibilities that encompass being a brother.
At least, traditional it is used that way. Arathi and Divya inform me that the Indian girls in Chennai use it for a different purpose. When they notice a boy making eyes at her, they find out if they like him or not. If not, to prevent him from making any advancements, they give him the rakee. This prevents him from seeing the girl as anything other than a sister. So, when the boys notice the girls pulling out an armband, they run!
Well, we had a laugh about the practice. On the last day in port, Arathi came and visited us. She had returned to say goodbye as she must get back to school. Before we parted, she stopped me.
"Grant, do you remember the rahksha bandee?" I froze.
'What does that mean?' She pulled out a little armband.
'Does she think that I was hitting on her or something? Did I cross some cultural line with the Indians?'
"Grant, you have been a real friend. As we ran around the city, you really fulfilled the male role. I feel safe with you, and as such, I wanted to give you, and Dave, the bandee."
She then tied it to my wrist. I didn't know what to say. I now have a bandee and a "sister" in India. According to their traditions, we are bound for life as siblings. To Indians, this is a very important role and carries no light responsibility.
The weird part is that, even though this is not our tradition, I feel that same way without prompting. I am honored. India remains with me in a special way. And, thus, I wear the Rakee.
