Actually, betel is a leaf common in Asia (I fell for the gum thing, by the way). Betel leaf is often combined with areca nut, lime paste and/or tobacco. While most Karen from Burma only chew acerca nut - it's always offered as 'betel'. Some say it's a mild stimulant, others say it cures stomach aches and most say it's a breath freshener.
But all can agree - it's part of being Karen. Many Karen joke that wherever in the world Karen are - betel nut is sure to be available. They also say, if you can't tell what ethnicity someone is - look for a 'bleeding mouth' and you'll find the Karens (red staining of salvia is caused by acerca nut chewing).
I've had everyone from employers to social workers, probation officers and doctors call and ask, "What are all these Karen chewing?! Why is their mouth red?" At the end of the day, red mouths aren't necessarily handsome and long term chewers have increased chances for oral cancers, but betel nut as a whole is innocent. The earliest memories of teens I work with are of selling betel nut to villagers in Burma (think: lemonade stand).
I've always found comfort in the presence of betel nut. It has a lovely earthy, bitter smell. It's often distributed by the sweetest of elderly women out of beautifully woven bags and big, red smiles will always be endearing. So often bits of culture are lost in resettlement, but here's one silly little nut (not native to the US) here to stay. It magically appears at the finish of every meal or good deed. It's a consistent reminder of culture's deep roots.
That day, under the shade trees I turned down the betel nut offered to me. I closed my eyes and went back to listening to the sounds of the Karen language, laughing and betel nut chewing ... until one lovely participant tapped my shoulder and handed me a piece of gum.
