Authored by Isma Ishtiaq, a resident of Delta, British Columbia, this First Person column reflects on cherished childhood memories. To explore more of CBC’s First Person narratives, visit the FAQ page.
A treasured recollection from my early years involves family gatherings on a small beige mat, enjoying Pakistani cuisine as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow. Whether it was aromatic biryani or creamy butter chicken with naan, these meals symbolized a tradition passed down from my father’s upbringing in Lahore to our home in suburban Delta, B.C.
Beyond mere sustenance, my father emphasized the significance of communal dining on the floor, cultivating gratitude for the food we shared. This practice not only united us as a family but also served as a cultural celebration transcending generations.
As time elapsed, our busy schedules impeded these family dinners, spanning over a decade since we last gathered on the humble mat. It wasn’t until a Thanksgiving dinner at age 23 that I revisited this tradition, inviting friends from diverse backgrounds to partake in this customary experience.
Unearthing the worn beige mat from storage, we recreated the familial circle, placing our Thanksgiving feast before us. The evening unfolded beautifully, with my father joining us on the floor, elucidating the tradition to intrigued friends who found solace in this shared togetherness.
This poignant moment bridged the gap between my heritage’s customs and Canadian traditions, prompting a revival of our familial dining ritual the following evening, instigated by my father’s inspiration from Thanksgiving.
Once again seated on the mat, we rediscovered the profound connection it fostered amid life’s hustle. The act of sharing stories and meals drew us closer, emphasizing the essence of family bonds.
Now, as the sun sets, casting an amber hue through the curtains, our family gathers on the familiar beige mat, emphasizing the importance of dinner time as a sacred ritual. Whether on the mat or around a formal dining table, the essence of togetherness persists, not just during festivities but throughout the year, echoing the traditions of the past and future generations.
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