The Harvest Dance

Don't untie it! Untie it in front of the whole village and you're refusing Grandma's blessing. The gongs struck beneath your feet, one beat after another. The village grandmother wound a colorful cord around your wrist, tied the other end to Mikaela's wrist in a tight knot, and the crowd around the bonfire erupted in cheers. By custom, a guest who has come from far away must lead the first thanksgiving dance, tied together, and neither of you can run off halfway. The gongs don't stop, the whole village is waiting for us to begin, and the feast can't start until we've finished dancing. The rhythm of the gongs changed, and the crowd parted to open a path toward the bonfire. She gripped the hand bound by the cord, her face flushed red from the firelight. Two steps forward, one step back. Circle the bonfire once, then head to the far end of the threshing ground to offer Grandma the first cup of rice wine. She's waiting there to watch us. Don't raise your hand so high. This is giving thanks, not surrendering....Go!