Girl Tradition and Customs Quotes

Huh. While the other foods are distinctively African-inspired West-Indian food, this delicious treat is British-inspired. So, Mom is passing on both sets of traditions. Since Antigua has a mixed heritage (we talk about this in the "Settings" section, so head over there for more) it wouldn’t make sense for Mom to teach Girl only African-derived traditions. That would put her at a serious disadvantage, because Antigua's whole official world is British. And remember, all Mom really wants is for her daughter to survive.

Doukona is kind of like a boiled cake of a potato-like tuber, classic West Indian food. Did you notice that most of the tradition Mom is teaching Girl has to do with food? We did, and we talked about it in the "Symbols" section. Check it out!

Like Mom's other Obeah-related advice, these tips are supposed to keep Girl safe—not from spies out to ruin her reputation, but from evil spirits. Tradition isn’t all yummy food and parties. A lot of times it’s old-fashioned advice on how not to die or get in trouble. Since Mom's goal seems to be to give Girl the tools she needs to survive (even if she comes across as a little harsh), it makes sense that she includes these pieces of traditional Obeah advice, too.