The African Calendar and Cultural Festivals.pdf - Kara.co.za
The African Calendar and Cultural Festivals.pdf - Kara.co.za
The African Calendar and Cultural Festivals.pdf - Kara.co.za
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>The</strong> appearance of the Bull <strong>and</strong> Seven Cows of Heaven (Ny<strong>and</strong>ara) or Father of Lights<br />
(Abakara)/Ramasedi) in the form of the Solar wheel in October every year marks the time<br />
for worshipping the Father of Lights <strong>and</strong> the seven stars which emanated from him. Thus<br />
<strong>African</strong>s <strong>co</strong>nceive the Godhead <strong>and</strong> its messengers (i.e. angels) as light, not human,<br />
beings. <strong>The</strong> Father of Lights (Abakara) is also known as Shambe, Nyambe or Sambe,<br />
Hamptah or Champtah (i.e. the Word of God Ptah).<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>African</strong> Worship of the Word (Ham or Zambe) of God Ptah is known as Memphite<br />
theology <strong>and</strong> it is re<strong>co</strong>rded in the Sabaka stone which was produced by the Ethiopian<br />
Pharaoh Sabaca who ruled the united empire of Ancient Ethiopia <strong>and</strong> Egypt.<br />
5.2 First Fruits Festival<br />
<strong>The</strong> seeds planted in October germinates <strong>and</strong> grow in November when Nature is reborn<br />
<strong>and</strong> both the plant <strong>and</strong> animal kingdoms increase. In December the First Fruits are ready<br />
for harvesting <strong>and</strong> <strong>co</strong>nsumption. <strong>The</strong>re are special rituals, governed by the phases of the<br />
moon which must be performed before the First Fruits are <strong>co</strong>nsumed. <strong>The</strong>se rituals are<br />
associated with the New <strong>and</strong> Full moon as well as the summer solstice (December 21-25)<br />
<strong>The</strong> summer solstice marks the birth of the five Gr<strong>and</strong> ancestors of humanity <strong>and</strong>, in<br />
particular, the Son of the Sun (Usara/Osiris). <strong>The</strong> First Fruits that are <strong>co</strong>nsumed during<br />
the time of the summer solstice symbolise the five Gr<strong>and</strong> Ancestors of humanity. <strong>The</strong>se<br />
ancestors are Usara (Osiris), Har-ar (Horus-ur), Sethe (Set), (M)usasi (Isis), Naphta<br />
(Nephtys). <strong>The</strong> first born children of these Gods are Hara (Horus), Son of (M)usasi <strong>and</strong><br />
Usara <strong>and</strong> Anuba, Son of Sethe <strong>and</strong> Naphta.<br />
<strong>African</strong> <strong>Festivals</strong> Days<br />
23 September: <strong>African</strong> New Year<br />
21 October: Rain-making ceremonies<br />
21-25 December: Birthdays of the Gr<strong>and</strong> Ancestors, symbolised by First<br />
Fruits festivals<br />
6 January: Sacrifice of a black bull to mark the beginning of the<br />
harvest season symbolised by the <strong>co</strong>ronation of Faro or<br />
Thobela – the harvest God.<br />
21 March – 20 April: During Easter when the Sun enters the Zodiacal sign of<br />
Aries special rituals are performed to thank God <strong>and</strong> Gods<br />
for the successful harvest.<br />
7 May: This day is called Mohale’s day <strong>and</strong> all work is prohibited.<br />
People brew beer, drink <strong>and</strong> celebrate this Goddess of<br />
Heaven <strong>and</strong> Earth known by diverse names.<br />
25 May: <strong>The</strong> Birthday of the Word or Son of the Goddess <strong>and</strong><br />
Beginning of Initiation Schools<br />
19 – 23 July: Birthday of the Child of Light (Hahul Ihy)<br />
15 – 23 August: Birthdays of the Gods (Neteru) of the First Time (Zep Tepi)<br />
ISBN NO: 978-1-920264-17<br />
By Prof. Mathole Motshekga<br />
9