Cacique of This Kassiquan

Kassiquan is an attempt at creating my very own “Blog Site;” my first and only place I will “blog” and probably the last place I will “blog.”  I never “blogged” before and will probably make a few blunders along the way.  Although, come to think of it, “blogging” is similar to writing a comment or thought in an editorial for a newsletter or magazine; or what you may read in devotionals such as Our Daily Bread, The Upper Room and The Word Among Us.  In 1987 I inherited a Bible Study Ministry called, The Sunshine Corner Bible Class which included a class newsletter which members of the class who were also “pen pals” were free to submit their own writings; poetry, short stories and reflections to share with other members.  As the editor of Sunshine Corner, I would include my own reflections.  Yes, in a way I was already “blogging.”

My original idea was to name my blog site, Cacique (ka-thi-ke) which is Taino for “chief,” a leader of a tribe.  In the Tiano culture, the Cacique’s rank was established democratically and his importance determined by the size of his tribe not by his warlord-like skills.  The Tainos were a peaceful people.  The Caciques had several privileges like living in larger rectangular huts in the center of the village and had special seats during ceremonial dances and games.  Cacique, I discovered comes from the Taino word “kassiquan” which means “to keep house.”  “Hmm,” I thought.  I am a social worker who believes people are holistic persons; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social.  Because a house has many rooms, kassiquan would best indicate what my blog site would be about, keeping house with rooms that will reflect who we are; lessons of the past, lessons learned in the present  and that will infuse, shaping our future selves.  I am the Cacique of this Kassiquan.

My cousin and I had that opportunity to visit the grounds of a Taino village in Caguana and attend the Jayuya Festival which is celebrated in November honoring Cacique Jayuya in Puerto Rico.