Introduction-E

Were you told to do chores?
Saullu: Yes, we followed what we were told to do. One who just sits around tends to
grow old faster. That is why we were told to be mobile and energetic.
Do you know what was done to women who were bleeding heavily
after giving birth?
Saullu: They were given sips of warm water when they lost lots of blood, warm water,
not too hot, gradually increasing the sips of water as it strengthened them. That’s how
the blood starts getting better for those who lose a lot of it. It never happened to me but
it always happened to my younger sister. She took after my mother, as we tend to follow
our parents. I do not take after my mother. My mother always seemed to lose a lot of
blood when I was a child. She used to be given sips of water. I am an expert in this area
as I have done this myself. I don’t do that today, but in the past I did.
You mentioned that when a woman delivered,
the baby would have visitors?
Saullu: Yes, there would be visitors who were happy for the baby. A lot of children
would come to see the baby as it was a new joyous event.
Did people shake the newborn’s hand?
Saullu: Yes, that used to happen. When newborns were kissed, I used to say that they
were too small to be kissed. Yes, they would be considered reincarnations of their
namesakes, and children would do this [shake hands] with the baby.
They were probably listening and waiting outside for the baby to be born?
Saullu: Some of them were probably listening. When someone said the baby had
arrived, they would come in, if it wasn’t the middle of the night. My husband would ask
if the baby had been delivered when I came home in the middle of the night. He would
ask if the woman had managed to deliver. He knew I would never just leave a woman
who just gave birth.
Can I ask you about ajaajaa songs?
Saullu: I do not know how to do ajaajaa songs. I’m telling you the truth.
Do you know anything about ajaajaa?
Pauloosie: About ajaajaa?
88 Introduction to the Oral Traditions