Tractor Wave

The Tractor Wave is a ritual of the Jantzi clan of Au Gres, Michigan, hearkening back to the agrarian roots of this tribe. Although now primarily urban dwellers, these Mennonite Christians recall the mechanized farming days of yore. Congregated at the site where the original Will and Rose Jantzi household was formed in the middle of the last century, an inter-generational group of relatives from various branches of the clan mimic the stance of a farmer driving his tractor and lifting a hand to wave at a passing person or vehicle. The presence of a canine is not essential to the ritual, but is felt to enhance the authenticity of the moment. Thus the values and beliefs of the elder generation is passed on to the young, and the collective memory of the tribe is reinforced in a physical narrative.

It was a fun, relaxing reunion where more sleep than knitting occured (and given that I finished a sock and a half, plus two baby hats, tells you just how much sleeping occured!!!)