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  • Blessing For a Person Going on a Safari

Blessing For a Person Going on a Safari

Blessing For a Person Going on a Safari


Author Country :
Genre Type :Prayer
Location :Tanzania
Year of Publication :0/
Publication :
Sub Theme :Family, Joy/Celebration, Prayer, Visiting/
Author Name :Sukuma Ethnic Group/
Author City :
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    This blessing is usually given by the grandfather or
grandmother of the family. On the day of the safari the one to be blessed, the
one to give the blessing, and the rest of the family get up early in the
morning. White sorghum is mixed with water. The one giving the blessing puts
his/her mouth on the porridge substance and blows on the one being blessed while
invoking the ancestors: "Your child is going on a safari. May you be with
him/her. Give him/her your blessing and may he/she have a safe journey." The
purpose of this prayer is that you may be joyfully welcomed by your hosts.

    Then the one receiving the blessing is told: "Walk like
the wild pig walks. When you step on ants may they cry out." The noise that ants
make when stepped on — a kind of "yeah" sound — is similar to the expression
of joy that people make when visitors arrive. People are always happy to see
visitors. So when guests arrive the host or hostess replies with a joyful "yeah"
sound. From this custom comes the Sukuma proverb Walk like the wild pig walks.


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