#dancing through east africa

[doodlesnoff]

this drawing of Ragsat Al ‘Aroos, or the Sudanese bridal dance, was made in collaboration with awladalneel for their fundraiser for their work and the sudan solidarity collective. prints are available with proceeds to the same.

The ritual dates back to the Kingdom of Kush, where the dance was performed by couples during wedding ceremonies as an ode to the fertility god and to highlight the brides’ beauty. Until recently it was performed topless with a stringed skirt (rahat) pulled undone during the dance. Today, some choose to continue the tradition, reshaping the ritual to meet religious, familial, or personal preferences. Brides prepare intensively with a teacher (ragasa) and perform after the ceremony (jirtig). The bride begins in a thoob and groom in a jalabiya, and during the dance her belt is cut and thrown to the audience. The specifics of the dance, as well as the wedding week, vary widely across tribes, communities, and regions (it is most common in the north). The dance, and the African history it embodies, has survived and adapted to Arab, Egyptian, Ottoman, and British rule, and today through the struggle for freedom & peace in contemporary Sudan.

[kemetic-dreams]

Archeologists also found the Kongo cosmogram on several plantations in the American South; they were Richmond Hill Plantation in Georgia, Frogmore Plantation in South Carolina, a plantation in Texas, and Magnolia Plantation in Louisiana. Historians call the locations where crossroad symbols were possibly found inside slave cabins and African-American living quarters as 'Crossroads Deposits.' Crossroads deposits were found underneath floor boards and in the northeast sections of cabins to conjure ancestral spirits for protection. Sacrificed animals and other charms were found where the crossroads symbols were drawn by enslaved African-Americans and four holes drilled into charms to symbolize the Bakongo cosmogram. Other West-Central African traditions found on plantations by historians is the use of six pointed stars as spiritual symbols. A six pointed star is a symbol in West Africa and in African-American spirituality.

On another plantation in Maryland archeologists unearthed artifacts that showed a blend of Central African and Christian spiritual practices among slaves. This was Ezekiel's Wheel in the bible that blended with the Central African Kongo cosmogram. This may explain the connection enslaved African Americans had with the Christian cross as it resembled their African symbol. The cosmogram represents the universe and how human souls travel in the spiritual realm after death entering into the ancestral realm and reincarnating back into the family. The artifacts uncovered at the James Brice House were Kongo cosmogram engravings drawn as crossroads (an X) inside the house. This was done to ward a place from a harsh slaveholder. Also, the Kongo cosmogram is evident in Hoodoo practice among African Americans. Archeologists unearthed on a former slave plantation in South Carolina clay bowls made by enslaved Africans that had the Kongo cosmogram engraved onto the clay bowls. These clay bowls were used by African Americans for ritual purposes.

The Ring shout in Hoodoo has its origins from the Kongo region from the Kongo cosmogram (Yowa Cross) and ring shouters dance in a counterclockwise direction that follows the pattern of the rising of the sun in the east and the setting of the sun in the west. The ring shout follows the cyclical nature of life represented in the Kongo cosmogram of birth, life, death, and rebirth. Through counterclockwise circle dancing, ring shouters built up spiritual energy that resulted in the communication with ancestral spirits, and led to spirit possession by the Holy Spirit or ancestral spirits. 

Enslaved African Americans performed the counterclockwise circle dance until someone was pulled into the center of the ring by the spiritual vortex at the center. The spiritual vortex at the center of the ring shout was a sacred spiritual realm. The center of the ring shout is where the ancestors and the Holy Spirit reside at the center. The ring shout tradition continues in Georgia with the McIntosh County Shouters. At Cathead Creek in Georgia, archeologists found artifacts made by enslaved African Americans that linked to spiritual practices in West-Central Africa. Enslaved African Americans and their descendants after emancipation house spirits inside reflective materials and used reflective materials to transport the recently deceased to the spiritual realm. Broken glass on tombs reflects the other world. It is believed reflective materials are portals to the spirit world.

[ghanatrails]

Discover the Essence of Ghana Vibrant Cities, Serene Beaches, and Rich Traditions.

Ghana, a country in West Africa, is a treasure trove of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and vibrant cities. From the bustling streets of Accra to the serene beaches of Cape Coast, Ghana has something for everyone. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through the best of Ghana, exploring its rich traditions, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities.

Vibrant Cities

Ghana's cities are a fusion of traditional and modern culture. Accra, the capital city, is a must-visit, with its vibrant markets, historical landmarks, and nightlife. Kumasi, the cultural hub, is home to the Ashanti Kingdom and its rich heritage. Tamale, in the north, is a melting pot of cultures, with a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture.

Serene Beaches

Ghana's coastline offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Cape Coast, with its stunning beaches and historic castles, is a popular destination. Elmina, with its picturesque fishing village and beautiful beaches, is another must-visit. Busua, a serene beach town, is perfect for relaxation and water sports.

Rich Traditions

Ghana is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The Ashanti Kingdom, with its vibrant Kente cloth and traditional drumming, is a highlight. The Akwasidae festival, celebrated by the Ashanti people, is a colorful display of traditional dance, music, and costume. The Ewe people, in the east, have a unique tradition of storytelling and music.

Natural Beauty

Ghana's natural beauty is breathtaking. The Volta Lake, the largest man-made lake in the world, is a stunning sight. The Afadjato Mountain, the highest peak in Ghana, offers breathtaking views. The Wli Waterfalls, in the east, are a scenic delight. The Mole National Park, in the north, is home to a diverse range of wildlife.

Ghana is a country that has something for everyone. From vibrant cities to serene beaches, rich traditions to natural beauty, Ghana is a destination that will leave you in awe. With Best Ghana Tours, you can experience the best of Ghana, with our expert guides and carefully curated tour packages. So why wait? Book your Ghana tour today with Best Ghana Tours to discover the essence of Ghana!

[ladydoesfieldwork]

Leg rattles in southern African music

Question (@culmaer): I've been slowly making my way through Percival Kirby's book on South African instruments (published in 1934), and I assume the spellings he uses for words from the various 'Khoisan' languages are ad hoc, phonetic transcriptions and not the standardised spellings in use today. part of me was hoping there was maybe a contemporary survey of instruments, or perhaps just easily accessible dictionaries/word-lists I could go through to check the spellings he uses

Kirby mentions ankle rattles made of springbok ears of the "Qung Bushmen" and cites the name from Bleek and Lloyd's Bushman Folk-lore as |keriten. I assume by Qung he means !Kung, but I'm not sure how similar !Kung and |Xam are, or if Kirby is making an attribution error ? nevertheless, are you able to verify that name and spelling ?

then, I'm particularly curious about a springbok horn flute, per Kirby, "used by the Kalahari Bushmen near Haruchas, SWA, [which] they call |garras or |garris" as well as a similar instrument used by the "Berg-Dama" called ǂnunib, although their version apparently stopped the horn with wood to create a more specialised embouchure, which I would love more details on. are these instruments still played ?

!Xun (<!Kung>) and |Xam belong to different language families: !Xun is a Kx’a language spoken along the northwestern Kalahari Basin fringe (northern Namibia, southern Angola, northwestern Botswana). |Xam was Tuu language of the !Ui subbranch which was spoken in the west of South Africa, all the way down to the Cape. |Xam went extinct during the first half of the 20th century, while !Xun is still a vibrant language with multiple dialects. !Xun and |Xam speakers were probably not in contact with each other in historical times, but received both influence from Khoekhoe herders (who speak an unrelated language of the Khoe-Kwadi family).

Kx’a and Tuu are resident language families exclusively spoken by foragers, while Khoe-Kwadi languages were introduced from the east around 2,000 years ago; at present, they are spoken by foragers (“Kalahari Khoe”) and herders (“Khoekhoe” and the extinct Angolan language “Kwadi”).

The ‘leg rattle’ word you cite here seems pretty widespread:

Interestingly, the root *ǀɢani (my reconstruction) is indeed distributed across all three families. The underlying uvular onset (uvularity is still visible in N|uu) is responsible for the sound changes /a/ > /u/ and /n/ > /r/. It is impossible to say which of the three families is the source and I am inclined to believe that this root may be very old and refer to a very widespread cultural practice (i.e., dancing with leg rattles) (this is not to say it is evidence for a “Khoisan” family; just for a very old contact area).

I wonder whether Kirby’s “|garras or |garris” ‘springbok horn flute’ is actually the same root. The word is certainly from Khoekhoe because it has the feminine singular suffix -s. The location where it was recorded, Haruchas, also seems Nama-territory to me, so I strongly doubt this was recorded among “Kalahari Bushmen”. Haacke & Eiseb (2002) have an entry <ǀgȁríb>  ‘quick grass, esp. Cynodon dactylon’, but that does not seem to make a lot of sense here - unless, of course, Kirby got confused and the word he lists actually denotes a grass flute. Damara  ǂnunib appears to be the standard Khoekhoe word for ‘flute, play flute’ (Haacke & Eiseb 2002: 415).

Leg rattles are still very common in many San and San-descendant groups from southern Africa. They are also used by some Bantu groups like the Tswana, probably due to influence from neighboring hunter-gatherers.

In the Botswanan San group I worked with for many years, leg rattles are especially used in ritual performances which are not meant for strangers to witness. However, I have videos from a cultural workshop in which a San group from Zimbabwe performs with leg rattles. I'll share the videos as soon as I am back in office next week.

The Khoekhoe flutes are, to the best of my knowledge, no longer used. I will make a post on that (and the terms associated with the flute ensembles) tomorrow.

[pleistocene-pride]

Phoenicopterus roseus better known as the greater flamingo, is a flamingo species native throughout much of Africa, Southern Europe, the middle east, the Indian Subcontinent, and various Mediterranean islands. Here they inhabit mudflats, rivers, deltas, lakes, and shallow coastal lagoons. Using its feet, the bird stirs up the mud, then sucks water through its bill and filters out various invertebrates, plankton, seeds, and algae on which it feeds. Aside from the occasional human, crocodile, big cat, baboon, or hyena, adult greater flamingos have few natural predators, however eggs and chicks are frequently taken by raptors, crows, marabou storks, and in particular yellow-legged gulls. Reaching some 3.6 to 6.2ft (110 to 187cms) in height and 4.4 to 9.9lbs (2 to 4.5kgs) the greater flamingo is the largest living species of flamingo. Most of the plumage is pinkish-white, but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a restricted black tip, and the legs are entirely pink. The chicks are covered in gray fluffy down, whilst subadults are lighter in coloration with dark legs. This is because the flamingos coloration comes from the carotenoid pigments in the organisms they eat. A social species the greater flamingo lives in large flocks, and breeding in large colonies. They are a monogamous species which perform synchronized 'dances' which involve neck stretching, preening and wing movements. Together, the two partners will build a mound of mud with a single egg. It's incubated there for 27 to 31 days by both the mother and father, and is fed by regurgitated 'crop milk' for the first 3 to 4 weeks of its life. After this, it will begin filter feeding and, at 10 weeks old, the chicks fledge, but they will live in a creche that's looked over by a non-breeding adult for another month thereafter. Under ideal conditions a greater flamingo will reach sexual maturity at around 2 years old and may live upwards of 80.

[conjuremanj]

More on Hoodoo (spirituality)

In my previous post I talked about traditional hoodoo where it started I want to talk a little more on it.

Let's start with this 'The origins of the word Hoodoo which actually comes from the real term "Hudu", meaning "spirit work," coming from the Ewe language spoken in the West African countries. No. It does not come from Africa but African Americans in the American south.

As I mentioned in a past post the term Hoodoo mean that you are sending someone up the river, the upper room. aka death. This is what it means. But in this time it's use to represent all forms of root work in this practice or others. This was started by marketeers.

SWEETENING JARS:

Traditional Sweeting Jar

Sweetening jars is traditional in Hoodoo to sweeten a person or a situation in a person's favor. The practice is appropriated and its meaning is misunderstood outside the African-American community. Traditionally sugar is added to water and used.. Not Honey.

During the slave trade, the majority of Central Africans imported to New Orleans, Louisiana were Bakongo (Bantu people). This image I like and wanted to show it if anyone hasn't seen it. It was painted in 1886 and shows African Americans in New Orleans performing dances from Africa in Congo Square. Congo Square was where African Americans practiced Voodoo and Hoodoo. ("So again when any non traditional Root Worker says there isn't a little voodoo with hoodoo there wrong")

Next we have this diagram the Kongo Cosmogram Cross.

Kongo Cosmogram aka Crossroads.

The Kongo cosmogram aka The Crossroads is from Bakongo origins. This shows how different African religions teach simulator things.

Why is it important? The basic form of this symbol is a simple cross (＋) which (symbolizes the rising of the sun in the east, the setting of the sun in the west, and represents cosmic energies.)

This shows that we do use the sun but not the moon like books may teach.

However, the cross is not the same as your typical Christian cross.

The vertical line of the cosmogram is the path of spiritual power from God at the top traveling to the realm of the dead below where the ancestors reside.

The horizontal line in the cross represents the boundary between the physical world which is the (realm of the living) and the spiritual world (realm of the ancestors).

The horizonal line is a watery divide that separates the two worlds from the physical and spiritual, and thus the "element" of water plays a role in African American spirituality just like Voodoo.

The Kongo cosmogram cross symbol has a physical form in Hoodoo called the crossroads where Hoodoo rituals are performed to communicate with spirits.

Dancing: Counterclockwise sacred circle, dances in Hoodoo are performed to communicate with ancestral spirits using the sign of the Yowa cross.

The Ring shout Is Not Part of traditional Hoodoo as far as the actual rituals are concerned, but it is part of church that has its own origins. The ring shout follows the cyclical nature of life that we see in the diagram. It represents Kongo cosmogram of birth, life, death, and rebirth.

Through counterclockwise circle dancing, ring shouters built up spiritual energy that resulted in the communication with ancestral spirits, and led to spirit possession by the Holy Spirit or ancestral spirits. The spiritual vortex in the center of the ring shout is a sacred spiritual realm. The center of the ring shout is where the ancestors and the Holy Spirit reside at. The ring shout tradition continues in Georgia. Inside reflective materials and the used of reflective materials to transport the recently deceased to the spiritual realm. Broken glass on tombs reflects the other world. It is believed reflective materials are portals to the spirit world.

[hebrewbyinbal]

Cultures are the tapestries of human existence—vivid, dynamic, and profoundly interconnected.

From the aromatic allure of cuisines to the rhythmic complexities of languages and the rich traditions of customs, every culture offers a window into the souls of its people.

Throughout history, humans have migrated, crossed seas and mountains, shifted borders, and mingled narratives, creating a beautiful mosaic of shared histories and divergent paths.

Take Israeli cuisine, for example.

It’s a vibrant fusion that mirrors the diverse heritage of the Jewish people. From the aromatic spices of the Middle East to the hearty stews of Eastern Europe, each dish tells a story of migration and settlement.

Jews returning from diasporas across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East brought with them culinary traditions as varied as the lands from which they came.

These traditions have mingled on the Israeli table, creating a cuisine characterized by its diversity and the capacity to unite flavors in astonishing ways.

This blend of tastes and traditions serves as a reminder: the land we live on is not really ours; it belongs to the planet. We are merely tenants here, not owners.

In this light, embracing and celebrating different cultures becomes a path to greater happiness and understanding.

Whether it's through enjoying a plate of hummus, dancing to a klezmer melody, or learning a few phrases in another tongue, every small act of cultural appreciation enriches our lives, making the global village a more connected and joyful place.

So, let's celebrate the diversity around us.

Dive into the myriad of cultures, foods, music, and languages.

You'll find that in celebration, there is a profound joy and a deeper connection to the world and its people.

You will be so much happier.

[womensmusiccanon]

From Qaraami to Dance-Pop - Women of East Africa

Starting our journey off in... Eastern Africa! Yeah, alright, maybe spoiled slightly in the title of the post.

I've had so much fun with this over the last few weeks, and the result of that is brought to you here through some of my top picks. A moment of silence for the albums I wanted to include but didn't due to not being easily accessible </3

The list is not ordered or ranked in any way, though I will admit I've a certain fondness for Saba and Khadja Nin in particular <3.

For ease of access, here's a playlist of some top tracks from each album (ca. and hour and a half), here's an extended version with additional tracks from some artists not featured on this list (ca. two and a half hours), and here's a playlist of the full albums (ca. seven hours), for all your shuffling needs.

Saba - Jidka (2007) Spotify Youtube - A fun and playful somali italian-influenced pop record with some elements R&B, uplifting and a joy to listen to. As a side node, Saba's life story is definitely a google worth, imo.

Mim Suleiman - Umbeya (2012) Bandcamp Spotify Youtube - An obvious inclusion in my book, just a great beat / electro album with some elements of soul. You really fall into the world of this album.

Aster Aweke - Aster (1989) Spotify Youtube A lovely Tizita album, a gem of ms. Aweke's sizeable discography (which you are definitely encouraged to dig into <3). I am so in love with the horns and little flourishes, and the rhythm is just... mwah. Aweke ties it all together really well.

Khadja Nin - Ya Pili (1994) Spotify Youtube - A already mentioned my fondness for Ms. Nin, but damn if it doesn't bear repeating... By all accounts an incredible record that really should be on your list.

Faytinga - Numey (2006) Spotify Youtube - The steady rhythms and Faytinga's distinctive vocals makes for a great experience certain to draw you in. Impresseive record from an equally impressive person.

Muthoni Drummer Queen - She (2018) Bandcamp Spotify Youtube - A bubbling hip hop album with some flavors of R&B and dancehall. The production on this is great and Muthoni is an incredibly engaged performer. It's just overflowing with life and so, so definitely worth a listen.

Sophie Nzayisenga - Queen of Inanga (2021) Bandcamp Spotify Youtube - The album title says it all, really. Even as someone who's not traditionally drawn to the acoustic for the most part, I really enjoyed this album.

Maryam Mursal - The Journey (1998) Bandcamp Spotify Youtube - An unavoidable inclusion on a list like this, and for good reason. A poppy qaraami record with some jazzy notes that deserves all of the acclaim it's gathered over the years - Mursal clearly knows what she's doing and she does it well.

MC Yallah - Yallah Beibe (2023) Bandcamp Spotify Youtube - Ending here with a very recent release, MC Yallah's latest is just such a solid hip hop record. It flows really well, and the industrial undertones really worked for me, which is rare. Definitely someone to keep a look on, imo.

... and that's the list!

Do you have any favorites not on here? Please (please <3) feel more than free to share! Have fun!

[african-travel-n-tours]

The Enduring Spirit of the Maasai People

The Maasai people, with their vibrant red shukas (robes) and rich cultural traditions, are a captivating aspect of East Africa. Inhabiting parts of Kenya and northern Tanzania, they've captured the world's imagination for centuries. Let's delve into their fascinating world and explore what makes them unique.

A Legacy of Pastoralism

Traditionally, the Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists. Their lives revolve around herding cattle, sheep, and goats. These animals are central to their way of life, providing sustenance, social status, and dowries for marriage. The Maasai have an intimate understanding of their environment, moving their herds to find the best grazing lands based on seasonal changes.

Deeply Rooted Traditions

Maasai society is complex and age-based. Men progress through a series of age sets, each with specific roles and responsibilities. Young warriors, known as Moran, are known for their bravery and elaborate beadwork. Women play a crucial role in building and managing the communities (manyattas) and raising children.

Living in Harmony with Nature

The Maasai have a deep respect for nature, believing in a strong connection between themselves, their livestock, and the land. Their traditional religion emphasizes living in balance with the environment. This respect is evident in their intricate understanding of wildlife behavior, allowing them to coexist with animals like lions and zebras.

Facing the Winds of Change

The Maasai way of life faces challenges in the modern world. Encroachment on their grazing lands, drought, and the lure of a more sedentary lifestyle threaten their traditional practices. However, the Maasai are a resilient people. Many communities are adapting, engaging in ecotourism and cultural preservation efforts to secure their future.

Experiencing the Maasai Culture

If you're fortunate enough to visit East Africa, consider visiting a Maasai community. Witnessing their dances, learning about their traditions, and supporting their businesses can provide a glimpse into their remarkable culture and contribute to its preservation.

The Maasai people are a testament to the power of tradition and resilience. Their enduring spirit and respect for nature are an inspiration for us all.

[azspot]

This, in turn, has meant that our 21st-century war on terror, the most prolonged set of U.S. conflicts since the Vietnam era, has been handled by volunteers who experience both longer and more frequent deployments and return home to ever fewer people who have the slightest idea what they’ve been through. As a result, many Americans are now unfamiliar with what killing people professionally does to you. Most have no idea what it’s like to see a family member return from a military deployment in the Middle East or sub-Saharan Africa completely changed—with a 1,000-yard stare that makes eye contact hard, a tendency to startle at loud noises, and possibly a formidable temper. For many privileged Americans fortunate not to live that life or dwell in crime-ridden neighborhoods, violence is something left to Hollywood movies until, at least, someone opens up with an automatic weapon in your local supermarket or dance hall.

How the War on Terror Helped Cause Us to Turn on Each Other

[kemetic-dreams]

Kumina is an Afro-Jamaican religion. Kumina has practices that include secular ceremonies, dance and music that developed from the beliefs and traditions brought to the island by Kongo enslaved people and indentured labourers, from the Congo region of West Central Africa, during the post-emancipation era. It is mostly associated with the parish of St. Thomas in the east of the island. However, the practice spread to the parishes of Portland, St. Mary and St. Catherine, and the city of Kingston.

Kumina also gives it name to a drumming style, developed from the music that accompanied the spiritual ceremonies, that evolved in urban Kingston. The Kumina drumming style has a great influence on Rastafari music, especially the Nyabinghi drumming, and Jamaican popular music. Count Ossie was a notable pioneer of the drumming style in popular music and it continues to have a significant influence on contemporary genres such as reggae and dancehall.

The Kumina riddim is a dancehall riddim produced by Sly & Robbie in 2002. It has featured in recordings of over 20 artists including Chaka Demus & Pliers and Tanya Stephens.

Kumina is an Afro-Jamaican Religion and is not the same as Pukkumina or Pocomania.

Kumina emerged through the practices of indentured labourers who were brought to Jamaica from the Kongo region of central Africa after the abolition of slavery. In the second half of the 19th century it syncretised with Myalism. Kumina differed from Zion Revivalism in rejecting the belief that the Bible should be the central authority behind worship.

The practices of Kumina are primarily linked to healing.[4] Healing ceremonies utilise singing, dancing, drumming, animal sacrifice, and spirit possession, with the intent of summoning spirits to heal the sick individual. These elements are also found in Myalism and Zion Revivalism.

Organization of Kumina communities follows the general local character of African religions in Jamaica. Kumina communities are small family based communities or nations. Some nations include Mondongo, Moyenge, Machunde, Kongo, Igbo, and Yoruba. People from Kumina families are given the title Bongo. Marrying into a Bongo family is one avenue to become a part of a Kumina nation; special initiation is the other avenue. Kumina nations are led by a "King" and "Queen". Imogene "Queenie" Kennedy AKA Queenie III (c1920-1998) was a well-known Kumina Queen in the 20th century, born in St Thomas in the late 1920s she later moved to Kingston and then Waterloo, St Catherine.

The use of cannabis or ganja in Kumina may have been an influence on the adoption of this plant as a sacrament in Rastafari, a religion that developed in Jamaica during the 1930s.

[ghanatrails]

Unlocking Ghana's Cultural Tapestry: A Journey Beyond Accra.

When travelers think of Ghana, the bustling capital city of Accra often takes center stage. While Accra offers a glimpse into the nation's vibrant energy and diversity, the true essence of Ghanaian culture lies in the distinct regional identities that exist beyond the city limits. To unlock a deeper understanding of this West African gem, it's essential to venture out and immerse yourself in the captivating cultural landscapes that make Ghana so remarkable.

Start your cultural odyssey in the Ashanti Region, the heartland of the prestigious Ashanti Kingdom. At the center of this cultural epicenter lies Kumasi, a city that pulses with history and tradition. Wander the halls of the magnificent Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Asantehene, the revered Ashanti monarch, and witness the grandeur of the Akwasidae Festival. This spectacular celebration honors the Ashanti's royal ancestors through mesmerizing dances, rhythmic drumming, and the intricate display of ornate kente cloth. Dive into the region's rich artisanal legacy by exploring the workshops of skilled kente weavers and gold jewelry makers, whose craftsmanship has been honed over generations.

Venture north to the captivating Northern Region, where the Dagomba, Gonja and other tribes have preserved their distinct cultural identity. In the bustling city of Tamale, marvel at the Sahelian-style architecture, with its mud-brick structures and striking silhouettes. Attend a traditional funeral ceremony or the vibrant Damba Festival, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad through a dazzling display of music, dance, and religious rituals. Seek out the ancient mud-brick mosques, such as the Larabanga Mosque, one of the oldest in West Africa, and immerse yourself in the region's deep Islamic heritage.

Shifting your focus eastward, the Volta Region offers a glimpse into the unique Ewe culture. In towns like Ho and Keta, witness the mesmerizing traditional dances and learn about the Ewe's captivating language and culinary traditions. Explore the picturesque landscapes of the region, from the cascading Wli Waterfalls to the serene Kalakpa Resource Reserve, where you can connect with the rhythms of nature and the local communities.

Staying within the Greater Accra Region, venture to the fishing villages of Jamestown and Chorkor to experience the vibrant Ga culture. Observe the daily lives of the Ga people, their colorful architectural style, and their rich cultural celebrations, such as the Homowo Festival, which commemorates the victory over famine. Engage with the local artisans and learn about their time-honored crafts, from pottery to basket weaving.

Finally, make your way to the Central Region to immerse yourself in the Fante culture. Explore the historic towns of Cape Coast and Elmina, where the remnants of colonial-era forts and castles stand as silent witnesses to the region's complex past. Observe the traditional fishing practices and vibrant local markets, and attend the Oguaa Fetu Afahye, a captivating Fante cultural festival featuring music, dance, and mouthwatering cuisine.

By venturing beyond the confines of Accra, you'll unlock a deeper understanding of Ghana's diversity and the unique regional identities that make this country so captivating. Each region offers a distinct cultural experience, from the regal Ashanti heritage to the centuries-old Islamic influence in the north, the mesmerizing Ewe traditions in the east, the vibrant Ga community in the capital, and the maritime Fante culture in the center. Embrace the opportunity to connect with the local people, learn about their customs and beliefs, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the richness and complexity of Ghanaian culture.

So pack your bags, open your heart, and embark on a cultural odyssey that will leave you forever transformed by the diversity and beauty of Ghana, beyond the boundaries of its capital city. Unlock the true essence of this remarkable nation by venturing out and immersing yourself in the captivating regional identities that make Ghana a cultural tapestry worth exploring.

[spiritsafari]

Unraveling the Mysteries of African Spirituality

Africa, with its vast landscapes and diverse cultures, is home to a tapestry of spiritual traditions that have thrived for millennia. Today marks the beginning of our exploration into the rich and multifaceted world of African spirituality, a journey that promises to unveil the mysteries, traditions, and profound wisdom that have shaped the continent's spiritual landscape.

Introduction: The Cradle of Spiritual Diversity

Africa, often referred to as the cradle of humanity, boasts a cultural and spiritual diversity that is both awe-inspiring and deeply rooted. From the sun-kissed deserts of North Africa to the lush rainforests of Central Africa, and the savannahs of the East to the vibrant cultures of the West, each region carries its unique spiritual essence.

1. Understanding African Cosmology

At the heart of African spirituality lies a profound cosmology that perceives the universe as an interconnected whole. The concept of Ubuntu, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things, forms a cornerstone of many African belief systems. Exploring this cosmological perspective provides a gateway into understanding how spirituality is woven into the very fabric of daily life.

2. Ancestral Worship: Bridging Past and Present

Ancestral worship stands as a pillar of African spirituality, fostering a deep connection between the living and the departed. Unlike some Western traditions, where ancestors are often relegated to historical figures, African communities maintain a vibrant relationship with their forebears. Rituals, ceremonies, and offerings become a way to honor, seek guidance, and maintain a harmonious balance between the seen and unseen realms.

3. Symbolism and Spirituality

African spirituality is rich with symbolism, where everyday objects, animals, and natural elements take on profound spiritual meanings. From the sacred Baobab tree symbolizing life and resilience to the rhythmic beats of drums communicating with the divine, symbolism weaves through rituals and ceremonies, connecting the physical and spiritual realms.

4. Rituals and Ceremonies: Celebrating Life's Rhythms

Rituals and ceremonies play a pivotal role in African spirituality, marking significant life events such as birth, coming-of-age, marriage, and death. These ceremonies are not mere traditions; they are sacred expressions of spirituality, embodying the community's values, beliefs, and connections with the divine. Exploring these rituals unveils the depth of spiritual significance woven into the fabric of African existence.

5. Diversity in Deities: African Gods and Goddesses

A pantheon as diverse as the continent itself, African gods and goddesses reflect the multifaceted nature of spirituality. From Anansi, the spider god of wisdom, to Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of love and fertility, these deities encapsulate various aspects of human experience and the natural world. Understanding their stories provides insight into the moral, ethical, and spiritual foundations of African communities.

Conclusion: Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey

As we conclude our first foray into the realms of African spirituality, it becomes evident that this journey is more than an exploration; it is a deep dive into the soul of a continent. African spirituality transcends borders, reaching into the hearts of those willing to embrace its wisdom.

In the coming days, we will unravel more layers of this intricate tapestry—exploring divination practices, the role of music and dance, and the ever-evolving landscape of African spirituality in the modern world. Join us on this odyssey as we seek to understand, appreciate, and celebrate the profound spiritual heritage that Africa generously shares with the world.

[enchanted-moura]

I get Hathor through my nomadic ancestors who had already settled in East and West Africa. I've never felt an interest in Ancient Egypt itself, but as she said to me on last year's Sun Equinox.

"Her children are always drawn to the Nile"

She also showed me a pretty White cow with lashes & makeup dancing lol. My mommy is the best

[rabbitcruiser]

World Lemur Day 

World Lemur Day celebrates lemurs and spreads the word about the need to conserve them; it inspires a love for them and actions to save them from extinction. It also celebrates Madagascar, the island nation located 250 miles off the east coast of Africa that lemurs call home. Events are held around the world on the day, in person and virtually. World Lemur Day takes place on the last Friday of October, and the World Lemur Festival takes place during the weeks surrounding it.

Madagascar is rich in biodiversity, and much of its flora and fauna can be found nowhere else in the world, as is the case with lemurs. Scientists believe that lemurs may have gotten their start on Africa's mainland before arriving; they think lemurs floated to the island on vegetation, and then evolved and diversified over millions of years. Madagascar was a favorable environment for them because the landscape was habitable, there were varied food sources, and there weren't any large predators.

Today there are over 100 species of lemurs. By one count there are 112, but the number changes when new ones are identified through discoveries and genetic testing. Subfossils indicate there once were more and that some became extinct, possibly from being hunted by humans after humans arrived on the island. The 2020 update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species indicated that almost all lemur species were threatened with extinction and that almost a third were critically endangered.

The smallest lemur is the Madame's Berthe mouse lemur, weighing in at 30 grams, and the largest is the indri, which may weigh up to 9.5 kilograms. Subfossils indicate that some lemurs were once as large as gorillas. Some other lemurs are the ring-tailed lemur, dancing sifaka, and aye-aye. Lemurs have unique traits in common. They have a heightened sense of smell because of their long snouts and wet noses and have improved night vision because of their tapetum lucidum, an extra layer of tissue behind their retina. All lemurs except aye-ayes have incisors and canines that lean forward instead of upward, called toothcombs, which are used for grooming, as well as to eat seeds and bark.

The forests of Madagascar benefit from lemurs, who help them grow by pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. Lemurs eat fruit but don't digest the seeds, and leave the seeds around the forest in their droppings. They also may get seeds and pollen stuck in their fur while looking for fruits and nectar, and may pass them onto other flowers.

To protect lemurs, the challenges and threats they face must be known. They face habitat change and loss, climate change, invasive species, and poaching. The forests of Madagascar are decreasing in size, changing the habitats of lemurs. This negatively impacts individual lemurs and the species as a whole. Madagascar is one of the top countries affected by climate change caused by humans. Droughts in the south and yearly monsoons in the north have become more prevalent in the twenty-first century, affecting all life on the island, including lemurs. Being that Madagascar developed in isolation when non-native species enter the ecosystem, they can threaten those that live there. Lemurs are also hunted for the pet trade, for food, and for cultural reasons.

A "fady" is a taboo of the Malagasy people, those who reside in Madagascar. For some, hunting, killing, or eating the indri is fady, since legend says that the spirits of ancestors live on within them. The aye-aye is associated with evil, and legend says that bad things may happen to those who see one. They are often killed because of this.

Lemurs benefit from ecotourism. Those visiting Madagascar bring money to the local economy, and, in turn, the Malagasy see the benefit of having the lemurs around—tourism wouldn't thrive without them. As the economy grows, the lemurs benefit. Conservation work in Madagascar is complex and supports wildlife, habitats, and people. Building relationships with and working with the Malagasy is crucial. Establishing and maintaining protected areas, reforestation efforts, dealing with invasive species, captive breeding at zoos, and reintroducing and relocating species are all part of conservation efforts. These efforts are given a boost today with World Lemur Day!

How to Observe World Lemur Day

World Lemur Day is celebrated individually, but also by zoos and other organizations. Some ideas for participation include:

Post on social media with the hashtag #WorldLemurDay and tag the Lemur Conservation Network. They can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Focus your posts on the urgency of lemur conservation and how everyone can help make a difference and save lemurs from extinction by working together. Use the social media guide to help you craft your posts.

Utilize the Lemur Conservation Network's participation guide for ideas on how individuals, member organizations, zoos, educators, and libraries can participate. For individuals, they suggest holding a fundraiser for a Lemur Conservation Network's member organization; sharing photos of lemurs seen at zoos or during travel to Madagascar, along with information about them, what is loved about them, and memories of the trip; creating and sharing information graphics about lemurs; holding a community event, such as a lemur-themed happy hour, film screening, or costume party; visiting a school to teach kids about lemurs; or walking around in a lemur costume.

Plan your own event. Consider collaborating with a Lemur Conservation Network member organization to create one. Send details about your activity or event to the Lemur Conservation Network for them to add to their event calendar, and check the calendar for other events to attend.

Join the Lemur Conservation Network.

Volunteer with the Lemur Conservation Network or with an organization in Madagascar that protects lemurs.

Read a book about Madagascar.

Listen to a podcast about lemurs or Madagascar.

If you are a teacher, you could use the Lemur Conservation Network's teaching resources for your classroom.

Check out the Lemur Conservation Network's "Professional Resources for Research and Conservation."

Check for other ideas on the Lemur Conservation Network's "How to Help" page.

The Lemur Conservation Network suggests contacting them to learn more about participating in the day.

Source

[horizon-verizon]

You're American and you've never heard about Eurovision yet you feel entitled to have an opinion about the participation of Israel in the contest and worse than that, twist it into some antisemitic rhetoric? Hard L O L

Eurovision is not restricted to just European countries, and it's definitely not restricted to just EU members, every single country that is an EBU member and therefore in the eurozone can participate if they wish to. That includes Algeria, Tunisia (attempted to debut), Lebanon (attempted to debut), Jordan, Libya, Sudan, even Egypt. It's why countries like Turkey (debuted 2 years after Israel) up until 2012, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and, yes, Israel have been participating regularly in the contest.

Why don't you do some rigurous "research" on yourself and your entitlement before you start to sound like a clown talking about things you clearly don't understand?

Anon refers to this ask. This post will have historical information and lots of details, so read at your own willingness to learn how I refute everything anon says here.

A) ...You refuse to read properly, or pretend something, so you can claim I said something I didn't.

I said this:

And between them, there have been many nonEU countries that participated from WAsia and Africa, like Armenia and Morroco. Israel, I think was the first non-European state (not racially, geographically, bc those who move and live in Israel or dominate that society is racially white and/or come from the U.S. and Europe) in Eurovision

You claim I didn't say what you are saying now about non-EU countries participating when I absolutely did. You talk about me twisting words, when you are twisting mine--not even twisting, outright denying. When I said the following:

so it's possible that its U.S./Britain/France-backed status as a "nation" or state gave it the privilege to join, and by being already in the EBU, perhaps working on its own propaganda with EU nations. I think that it is a political allegiance sort of thing for the U.S. and those two EU states to publicly solidify their oil-interests and instill their image of supporting "democracy" through Eurovision so people could also see Israel as its own country and brew that Israeli patriotism. Games of athletic sport, music, dance, etc. usually boosts that sort of thing (the Olympics and FIFA).

I was giving first impressions of why Israel's Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) was even a part of the European Broadcasting Union (EBA) before other nonEU/Mid East countries' representing competitors & sovereign programs joined them...and with how the U.S. and Englans handled the Middle East after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the end of WWII, and the Cold War period (neither wanted to rehabilitate or house Holocaust survivors nor Jewish people bc of antisemitism). From my understanding of the post-WWII and Cold War events that led to Israel's creation, this is what I came up with. You could disagree, but history would prove you wrong. It's not a matter of "opinion".

You should look up Arab secular nationalism and its falls within the Middle East to see how Israel, the U.S., and England all created, developed, and promoted the idea of "terrorist = Islam" and "Islamist = Arab" therefore "Arab"/"Muslim" = "terrorist" starting when Israel waged war against the other Arab nations in the area in 1967. even before the Ottoman Empire's fall, the French and English enlisted Arab peoples to fight and revolt against the Ottomans in WWI--the Arab Revolt of June 10, 1916-1918--promising them political independence and sovereignty...only to renege through the May 19, 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement, dividing up the region under BR/FR's separate "spheres of influence" as they did to the African continent in the "African Partition"/"Scramble for Africa" AND later create Israel out of British-controlled Palestine. Mind you, this Sykes-Picot thing occurred BEFORE the Arab revolt, revealing how these countries never planned to allow Arab sovereignty. Again, this was all BEFORE Islamist vs secular groups even existed to fight against either each other or these powers.

Before Israel was created, the Arab people of the Middle East launched several independence movements and military groups to resist European occupation (Syria, Saudi Arabia, etc). The U.S., BR, and FR all encouraged refugee Jews to go to the BR-controlled Palestine. After the Israelis declared independence, the Nakba was approved and encouraged by those same nations. Funny how they supported Israeli independence, but not the Arabs...no, they couldn't have had vested interests in the Middle East being under their control.

So Arab people/new nations like Jordan, Syria, and Egypt managed to gain independence and looked (rightfully) at Israel as European ploys of occupation and imperialism in the Middle East. We have then the Arab Cold War and the fight between Arab secular nationalists (generally socialist) and Arab conservative, traditionalists (generally monarchies, like Saudi Arabia). The U.S. government, generally anti-socialist and conflating communism with socialism consciously and intentionally, did not want "Soviet communism" to gain a foothold in the Middle East and signed a mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia---the U.S. aligned with Islamists against secularists. The 1949-1951 agreements, culminating in the Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement and the United States Military Training Mission (USMTM)--allowed the United States of America (U.S.) to provide military protection for the Kingdom in SA for an oil supply from the Saudis, its pricing in U.S. dollars, and Saudi support for American foreign policy operations across the world (Colgan, Jeff D. (2021). Partial Hegemony: Oil Politics and International Order. Oxford University Press).

And Iraq was one of the few Arab nations to remain secularist until the U.S. supported groups like Saddam Hussein's Islamist one...Iraq war, anyone?

I also never ever said I "never heard" about Eurovision. I said I never watched a single episode and

Mind you, again I (an American civilian) know nothing about Eurovision, much less who is representing what country and at what year.

As in ignorance of specific details of specific Eurovision events in what year and who performed, not ignorance of Eurovision itself, as if I didn't know it existed before yesterday. Just as I know what the U.N. and Tesco are, I have known what Eurovision is for a long time (non-American things).

You are trying to imply that because I am American I am completely ignorant and unaware of current European and English things even out of policies, which is simply not just untrue and stupid but a dangerous generalization that makes American ignorance a product of willful, non-government allowed/aided ignorance and oppression. Ironically, you are a part of the noncritical-thinking, ahistorical, anti-intellectual group of people attacking Americans without knowing U.S. history and politics because you like to feel superior. And you don't even know if I am one of the (mainly white) Americans who claim America is the "best" or "most democratic" country in the world.

Not that, as a probable race-denying European you will care, but:

Do you understand that Black, and brown people, especially children and grandchildren of Africans and Asians, and Polynesian immigrants live in various parts of America? Have you ever heard of Native Americans and native Hawaiians? Have you heard of the crazy tourism of Hawaii stymying native Hawaiians' ability to rebuild after the most recent hurricanes and storms and the activities involved in pushing that back which comes with its knowledge of American colonialist and imperialist ideology/history? Do you understand the timeline of how guns in the states became more legal to have than reproductive rights? Can you name 10 American Black women who shaped and defined the parameters of civil activism in queer, feminist, and labor spaces & communities?

I bet you don't think it's "worth" knowing anything about American history or current American politics, yet you expect me to do the same for Europe as if European culture(s) or society(ies) is the "best" of what humans have had, have, & will continue to contribute to the complex of humanity...it's hypocritical, but more than that, it's white supremacy on your part...

You don't see the racial struggle and divides that give many Americans perspective that grants them the ability to criticize Israel's colonial actions? No? Then please, stfu.

B) To be against Israel is not to be antisemitic. And you showed your hand when you claimed so.

You: "yet you feel entitled to have an opinion about the participation of Israel in the contest and worse than that, twist it into some antisemitic rhetoric".

Israel brutalizes even Jewish people, as this video shows Israeli police slamming and punching pro-Palestinian Orthodox Jews as they take down Palestinian flags. Israel has bombed one of the oldest Christian churches in Gaza City, Saint Porphyrius Church, killing several Palestinians and Arab Christians and decimating old Christian bloodlines that (doesn't matter if they are Catholics or Orthodox Christians or whatever, they all believe in Christ being the Messiah, and yet we have Christian evangelicals supporting this, and supporting Israel's war crimes). These are articles, posts, etc. about the Church being hit and people sheltered there dying in that bomb: #1; #2; #3.

Several Jewish people, including Holocaust survivors, condemn both Israel and Zionism in the past and in the present. Here is another anti-Zionist holocaust survivor, Dr. Hajo Meyer. There was a whole Jewish protest shutting down Grand Central Station and many were arrested or escorted out en masse by police. To this day, there are Jewish people in pro-Palestinian protests. Here is a Jewish person who grew up in a Zionist home describing and explaining how Zionism works to justify itself and target Palestinians. Here is another article about a Jewish people separating themselves from Israel and being anti-Zionist listing and who and how Israel characterized Palestinians as nonhumans and admitted to targeting Palestinian civilians. There are videos of Israelis threatening to murder "Arabs" and claiming "all Muslims" should die. Israel and Zionists alike have gone on to say that Holocaust survivors are "weak":

In the early days of their country, many Israelis also had mixed feelings about Holocaust survivors. "We saw the Holocaust survivors as a very weak population," says Nava Ein-Mor, who was born in Tel Aviv in 1945, the year World War II ended. "We were very different from them. We were strong, and we were not going to allow ourselves to be in that position."

This particular article tells us that many Holocaust survivors in Israel are poor some rely on charities, and some are because in its inception the Israeli government made a cutoff of gov aid for Holocaust survivors migrating to Israel, which was 1953. Here's another article. I ask, how in the hell do you have 1/3 of Holocaust survivors be poor and rely on charities in the state supposedly meant to house Jews exclusively and protect them from another Holocaust?! If this was the point of Israel, how the hell do zionists claim that such survivors are inherently weak when their state's entire purpose is supposedly for Jewish protection?! So these people, most Israelis, and all zionists must have a very different definition of "strong" and "weak", something equal to the fascist definition of those things, where to be strong is to militarily expand borders and kill swathes of people to claim land and resources, NOT to fall victim to that. Textbook victim blaming as well.

There are Mizrahi Jews--or North African and Middle East-originated/living Jews--yet when we go to Israel we mainly see white Jews in office, in those advocating for Zionism in its media. The Mixrahi Jews are comprised of two main groups: Mashriqi -> Jews from the Arab Mashriq region that covers parts of North Africa and Western Asia AND Maghrebi -> ethnic Jews who had traditionally lived in the Maghreb region of North Africa under Arab rule during the Middle Ages. Ethiopian Jewish women were sterilized the same way many Black women were sterilized without their knowledge or consent upon arrival to or to get into Israel, which is clearly a eugenist act.

It was never about religion, it was about race and white supremacy. And even if it were about religion, that would never be a good excuse for people to perform a genocide ("genocide" can also be used if one religious group fatally targeted another religious group regardless of race).

It is about using the Holocaust as an excuse to develop colonial, imperialist projects to give the U.S. and a few European countries like France an economic foothold in the Middle East concerning oil, gas, and a new canal. Countries that made lines almost as they did to Africa for their own imperialist, colonial interests to access certain resources. These same countries actively have and/or continue to enable and fund groups like the M23 to kill and rape mass numbers of Congolese men, women, and children while forcing them to work in life-threatening physical conditions and exposing them to lifelong health issues. It is modern-day slavery AND genocide and Israel is also directly involved through its production and sale of weapons the U.S. buys, distributes, etc to groups like these or for themselves, and for what? A mineral that keeps phones and laptops like the ones you and I are using to go into debates over how we've all failed these people.

the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE), a program where Georgia officers and Israeli soldiers exchange materials, training procedures, and technology to be used in police brutalization in the U.S. and for Israeli IOF/IDF to use against Palestinians and any group it would choose to dominate and suppress -> the U.S. police itself is a product of slavery in the U.S., "slave patrol"

Just for this last bullet point alone, yes I absolutely have the right to have an "opinion" of a fucking singing competition Israel participated in, much less Israeli fascism and Zionism.

Conclusion

Israel, by even being a part of a huge world event, will be part of the global community or indicates its desire to participate in such; I am a part of the global community that social media has tightly woven apart from other historical international relations and events ever since the two World Wars, esp with the U.S. being one of the countries having veto power in the U.N. (I must know what my government is doing in international relations when it has made itself the political and economic head and dependent for its own interests as China and France has); Israel, as it shows through its garbage attempts of propaganda, is thus subject to critique from any country on this Earth.

My being an American citizen with African parents actually behooves me to be concerned and--if I see it--criticize colonial, imperialist behaviors from a colonial state like my own. And unless you and anyone can prove Israel is not a colonial state (which a simple Google search will always debunk until a government shuts down the internet and promotes pro-Israel bullshit), this "opinion" of mine has ground (actually a factual statement -> you don't seem to understand that or much more likely, you are willing to accept that and are trying to discredit me through my nationality, as white Europeans, Canadians and British folk are wont to do nowadays without knowing U.S. history).

I do not have an "opinion" about what kind of state Israel is. I state facts about its history and applying facts, I suggested that Israel had the privilege and ability to use a singing competition to advertise itself as a true, legitimate nation people should "respect".

Israelis still base much of their identity on white supremacy. Israel has argued that it is an ME country with a people who have an ancestral claim to ME lands...yet it wants so badly to be part of a European program because it understood, from its BR-Arab controlled origins, that to stay the colonial power that it is, it could be more entrenched in Palestine by establishing themselves as a future partner in European imperialist ventures in the Middle East, buying their way into having their own fascist dominion in the ME through the sparkly tableau of Israeli talent. It's "soft" power for Americans & Europeans to be affected into believing that Israel is =both a great wonder and also a worthy project to be invested in.

That and Israeli people see themselves as European, not Middle Eastern, especially when a lot of them are first-second-generation Americans or Europeans who moved there & in the illegal settlements in the West Bank. Not speaking a hint of Hebrew, some of them.