The Zayse community has its own traditional drink. Traditional drinks are prepared for social occasions. Mainly for festivals, weddings, community work ‘Dago’, mourning ‘Bochocha’, days of mourning and various social events. In the Zayse community, drinking together is given a special place and meaning, just like eating together. Drinking together is a way to develop and strengthen social relationships.
Regardless of gender and age, they gather together at social events and strengthen their friendship. This drinking process is known as “Aiso”. Aiso is a drinking situation where two friends drink from the same cup at the same time and in the same breath. In this way, two people show and develop their friendship when they drink together. In addition, the tradition of eating and drinking together, both in times of joy and sorrow, has been passed down from generation to generation and has reached the present day. There are various traditional drinks in the Zayse community, and we will see them as follows.
Modo (Borde)
‘Modo’ is an ancient traditional drink of the Zayse ethnicity. It is made from corn and sorghum flour and malt is added. This is called ‘Mase Modo’. Modo, which is prepared through several processes, is said to be popular. When we look at the process of preparing Modo, first the sorghum flour is ground and boiled in water. The curd that is made in water is called ‘samosa’ in Zayse. When the boiling process is complete and it is confirmed that it is cooked, it is taken out of the huge boiling pot and served with a wide plate.
A wooden masha called ‘Samusa Pule’ is used to make the kurkufa easier to break and knead. When the kneading process is complete, it is kept indoors to allow air to circulate. It is then kneaded. The next day, it is placed in a jar and the mouth is closed, and a mixture made from sorghum or corn flour mixed with boiling water is added to it and left in the jar until it reaches a soft consistency. It is kneaded after two to three days, depending on the weather. Then it is served according to the user’s preference, while kneading it with hot water.
Since Modo is made with a thick consistency, it is also consumed as a drink. Modo is usually prepared for weddings and festivals, and during mourning, it is prepared and taken to the house of the deceased, which is called “bochocha”. In addition to being a drink, Modo is also used to comfort the mourner and to entertain guests who have come to mourn. It is widely prepared for festivals, social events such as feasts and feasts. In addition, it is also prepared for sale and offered in the market. The content and taste of Modo are considered important, and when ingredients that enhance the taste such as cabbage and fenugreek are added to the prepared grain, its popularity increases. There are types of Modo made from barley, corn, and other grains without malt.
Kayla /Shda Modo/
Shda Modo, as the name suggests, literally means ‘Shda Modo’ /Honey Borde’. Modo is a popular traditional drink prepared by mixing honey with well-prepared ingredients. Kayla is a traditional drink that is highly appreciated by the Zayse community because it contains honey. Like Modo, Kayla is prepared for various social occasions and is served to elders, fathers, and guests.
