The Braai - Building Communities

The word braaivleis is Afrikaans for barbecue or roast and is as part of the South

African Heritage as biltong and koeksisters! For those not in the know, a koeksister is a delicious sweet pastry dipped in syrup and twisted and deep fried so that the syrup sinks into the pastry. Bilton is similar to Jerky just nicer! The term braai, or braaiing is used to describe the process of roasting your meat over a fire. But where does this practice originate from, and what does it still mean to us today?

It is speculated that the backyard braai or barbecue had its origin as far back as the last Ice Age! Food was scarce then and men had to work together to take down the large beast. Those who stood together survived and their genes were passed down through the centuries and today forms part of the modern man! Braaiing is not merely a way of roasting your meat; it is also responsible for building and maintaining a community.

A common phrase used by South Africans for a social braai is a 'bring and braai. When a group of friends or members of a family want to spend some time together, someone usually provides the fire and some side dishes, and each person then brings their own meat and drinks. This is an inexpensive way to have a wonderful time!

One of the great things about braaiing is that it is an activity that can be enjoyed straight through the year although it has to be said that it is more common in summer. But make no mistake, with the mild, temperate winters of South Africa, it is quite possible to have a braai on a lovely sunny winter's afternoon, and then nothing comes close to a braai with friends while watching an exciting game of rugby on television.

Braaing is not restricted to certain types of people. It is a social event that brings people together, regardless of their origin, race, age or gender. Many stories are shared around the braaivleis fire and while the men show off with their braaing skills, the ladies are usually having a social of their own while preparing the salads and other side dishes.

After the braai, everyone does not just pack up and go home, many a long hour is spent by all lingering over the dying coals, mellowing around the swimming pool and in general, just having a good time with family and friends. What could be better in life than that?

Having a braai is a true social event that brings people together, much more than just having contact with people on Facebook or on email, as is so often the case these days with people. Sometimes one just do not have a choice since family and friends might be far away, however, having a braai is a way of having a real face to face event that helps friends and family catch up on their friendships and strengthen the family ties. In that sense the braai has helped build communities since the time of caveman Ogg.

The Braai - Building Communities

By: Bernd Klingenberg

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