Set of photographs #31

Commentary from Participant

First photo. Traditional Dress – Participant #34 spoke about her homeland of East Timor and how proud she is of their traditional costume. She showed photos of her husband and herself in the East Timorese traditional dress. She also showed a photo of the East Timorese Flag.

Tess enquired from Participant #34 about the opportunities for wearing the traditional dress. Participant #34 explained (sometimes through another participant as Participant #34 is not very confident about her English) during Independence Day.

Tess asked what they did on Independence Day and who were they independent from? Participant #34 informed group that they were independent from Indonesia.

Tess asked what they did on Independence Day. Participant #34 responded; “Dance, music – some people play drums, there is singing, eating traditional food. Served on coconut leaves, a dish made from rice, onions, garlic, salt, pepper – all weaved together”.

Tess enquired whether singing was individual or group? Participant #34 replied that it was both.

Tess highlighted that in Ireland there was a tradition of individuals singing but in Wales it was more prevalent to have group singing.

Tess also asked if there were opportunities to Celebrate Culture here in NI?

Other participant and Participant #34 mentioned that prior to Covid there were events organised by community groups and also Mid Ulster Council that enabled them to celebrate Independence Day and their culture.

Tess: Does celebration give you a sense of belonging?

Other participant: Yes, it allows us to connect with our own heritage.

2^nd Photo of Participant #34 holding up a model of traditional East Timorese house. Also included in the photo is a Palm Leaf plate with inscription “Timor Leste” which is to do with the independence.

3^rd Photo – Traditional, handmade costumes, Participant #34 explained that there were different names for the pieces for men and women. They were also very expensive; £500 in UK money, and were seen as an heirloom as they were intended to be kept for a lifetime.

Tess: How big are the scarves? Tess asked if Participant #34 brought the scarves and traditional dress over from her home?

Participant #34: I sent away for them.

Tess highlighted the similarities that women from other cultures have who come to NI. She spoke of a Pakistani woman who had to buy a traditional costume online.

4^th Photo - Holding the East Timorese flag in traditional dress.

Participant #34 explained that this was used for ceremonial occasions.

Tess spoke about the parallel between Irish Catholicism with traditional dress for different events in life e.g. Holy Communion, Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage. Tess highlighted that communion dresses would have been handed down to other family members were as the wedding dress was not normally handed down.

Tess spoke about the past in Ireland – the traditional dress for mourning, women had to wear certain clothes when they were widowed. Other participant mentioned that this was the same in East Timor. Also, Tess mentioned widows in years gone by in Ireland also wore black clothes.

The “Good Coat” – Conversation about the Good Coat – many people in Ireland had only one good coat– which had to last for years for years – 8-10 years.

Other participant – East Timorese tradition to wear black for 12 months after being widowed.

Other participant – Also the same in West Africa.

Tess: mentioned the topic of head coverings – Muslim women wear these but also in Ireland women going to Church would have worn a hat – dressing in a very formal way in the 60’s and 70’s, whereas now it is less formal. Relaxed.

Other participant explained that in East Timor the tradition is that a person can remarry if widowed but that the “dowry” must be paid back.

Tess: Compared the dowry system to the modern pre-nuptial agreements which have become more prevalent in the West.