Ancient Iraqi Sect Struggles to Keep Culture In US

July 1, 2009

Author: David Grant

Source: Google News

Wire Service: AP

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jsHfl5YwIzzlUizUsk47mWZ3DsmwD995ILIG0

When the bride and groom arrive at the Mandaean Association, the Middle Eastern salad is ready and flower petals are lightly strewn across the floor.

For these Iraqis who follow the teachings of John the Baptist, weddings are an opportunity for the small community to come together as believers try to preserve their heritage far away from their ancestral homeland.

As young and old dance to American and Arabic songs inside the suburban Detroit mandi, the Mandaean house of worship, a dozen young Mandaean-Americans getting fresh air outside reflect on their role in Mandaean society: This crew of cousins is the "next generation" whose parents and grandparents believe will determine whether the Mandaean faith lives or dies in the United States.

"Being first generation is going to be the hardest," said Eva Majdob Rojas, 26, of Monroe. "We have to either stick to those really old traditions or break the ice as individuals and get our parents to understand that."

After more than 2,000 years of practicing their Gnostic faith almost entirely in Iraq and Iran, some Mandaean-Americans fear their ancient beliefs may fade in the U.S. unless they can agree on a cultural course that keeps traditions intact while dealing with the pressures of American society.