The African Calendar and Cultural Festivals.pdf - Kara.co.za

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In African Religion matriarchy is still alive. The Goddess Muhale or Mwalinkulunkulu who was worshipped by the Barozwi dynasty at Maphungubwe, Great Zimbabwe atMudzimungale at Lwandali, now Tshiendeulu in the Zoutpansberg, is still worshipped at Masase, Mberengwa, Southern Zimbabwe, Makonde in the Vhembe district and Maulwe, Balobedu district in Limpopo province. In ancient and medieval Africa the goddess Muhale was also known as Saba or Sapha (Greek Sophia i.e. Wisdom). This goddess is also known as kore or koremukuru. 5. Cultural Festivals There are five cultural festivals which correspond with the seasons to the seasons of the year. The African Year is divided into four quarters of three months each and three seasons of four months each. These African Cultural festivals are discussed below. 5.1 The African New Year On the 23 rd August the sun appears between the paws of the celestial Lion (Tau or Simba) in conjunction with the star regulus (i.e. little king). A month thereafter, on the 23 rd September the sun appears below the body of celestial lion (Tau or Simba), marking the beginning of the African New Year. The African New Year is marked, in particular, by the appearance of the Bull of Heaven, also known as the Father of Lights (Ramasedi) and the four beasts of heaven which guard the four quarters of the universe. This five light beings are represented by the Solar () emblem. The Father of Lights (Abakara or Ramasedi) is the physical manifestation of the Self-begotten God called Ptah, Mutangakugara or Umveliqani. Thus the African New Year is both a Spiritual and Cultural celebration. In October the Seven Pleiades or Circumpolar (Khelemela/Isilimela) stars appear to announce the ploughing times and the time of rain-ceremonies. The Bull of Heaven (Nyandara) or Father of Lights (Abakara)/Ramasedi) and the Seven Cows of Heaven (represented by the Seven Pleiades or Circumpolar (Khelemela/Isilimela) stars manifest themselves as the wheel of Light of Solar wheel that moves the visible universe. or ISBN NO: 978-1-920264-17 By Prof. Mathole Motshekga 8
The appearance of the Bull and Seven Cows of Heaven (Nyandara) or Father of Lights (Abakara)/Ramasedi) in the form of the Solar wheel in October every year marks the time for worshipping the Father of Lights and the seven stars which emanated from him. Thus Africans conceive the Godhead and its messengers (i.e. angels) as light, not human, beings. The Father of Lights (Abakara) is also known as Shambe, Nyambe or Sambe, Hamptah or Champtah (i.e. the Word of God Ptah). The African Worship of the Word (Ham or Zambe) of God Ptah is known as Memphite theology and it is recorded in the Sabaka stone which was produced by the Ethiopian Pharaoh Sabaca who ruled the united empire of Ancient Ethiopia and Egypt. 5.2 First Fruits Festival The seeds planted in October germinates and grow in November when Nature is reborn and both the plant and animal kingdoms increase. In December the First Fruits are ready for harvesting and consumption. There are special rituals, governed by the phases of the moon which must be performed before the First Fruits are consumed. These rituals are associated with the New and Full moon as well as the summer solstice (December 21-25) The summer solstice marks the birth of the five Grand ancestors of humanity and, in particular, the Son of the Sun (Usara/Osiris). The First Fruits that are consumed during the time of the summer solstice symbolise the five Grand Ancestors of humanity. These ancestors are Usara (Osiris), Har-ar (Horus-ur), Sethe (Set), (M)usasi (Isis), Naphta (Nephtys). The first born children of these Gods are Hara (Horus), Son of (M)usasi and Usara and Anuba, Son of Sethe and Naphta. African Festivals Days 23 September: African New Year 21 October: Rain-making ceremonies 21-25 December: Birthdays of the Grand Ancestors, symbolised by First Fruits festivals 6 January: Sacrifice of a black bull to mark the beginning of the harvest season symbolised by the coronation of Faro or Thobela – the harvest God. 21 March – 20 April: During Easter when the Sun enters the Zodiacal sign of Aries special rituals are performed to thank God and Gods for the successful harvest. 7 May: This day is called Mohale’s day and all work is prohibited. People brew beer, drink and celebrate this Goddess of Heaven and Earth known by diverse names. 25 May: The Birthday of the Word or Son of the Goddess and Beginning of Initiation Schools 19 – 23 July: Birthday of the Child of Light (Hahul Ihy) 15 – 23 August: Birthdays of the Gods (Neteru) of the First Time (Zep Tepi) ISBN NO: 978-1-920264-17 By Prof. Mathole Motshekga 9
Page 1 and 2: The African Calendar and Cultural F
Page 3 and 4: 1. Introduction Every human family
Page 5 and 6: 3.2 The Microcosmos 5 G 6 7 8 B E 4
Page 7: The union (Ntura) of the God of the

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