06/07/2023
EVOLUTION OF THE PRACTICE OF OUR SOLIDARITY CULTURE – SOME LESSONS FROM THE PAST.
Our culture has a strong focus on solidarity – we support and celebrate with each other in times of joy and sadness. It is said that an African child is raised by an entire village. The way this culture is practiced has evolved over the years and in present day, the costs associated with this solidarity culture appears to be at an all-time high.
A trip down memory lane could provide us with some guidance as we forge ahead in these times of financial difficulty.
🦯My experience of solidarity in the 90s
When I was younger than 15 years old, I remember visiting my grandparents during holidays in the village and on many occasions, I accompanied them to social events (funerals, market day gatherings, village meetings, etc.).
🦯An example of solidarity during funerals
On the morning of the day, we had to go to a funeral, my grandfather would go tapping to fetch palm wine. When he got back, he would prepare two containers – a 5-liter jug and a 2-liter container (calabash or some other container). When it was time to go to the funeral, I would carry the 5 liters of palm wine and my grandfather will carry the 2 liters.
Upon arrival at the funeral location, my grandfather will hand over the 5 liters I was carrying to the bereaved and express his condolences, thereafter he will find a seat and place the 2 liters on the floor, take out his cup (made from cow horns) and start drinking. I would sit next to him or loiter around and from time to time, he would offer me his cup to take a sip.
If my grand mum was going for the funeral, she will prepare ‘achu’ (pounded cocoyams and yellow soup) and take along to be shared amongst the mourners.
This was a simply and powerful way to show solidarity. Most of the food and drinks shared during the occasion came from the villagers' farms.
In hindsight I believe it was not a financially stressful experience for them, and neither was it a show off or a matter of pressure on the bereaved to provide food and drinks to guests.
🦯Back to present day
-How do we practice the solidarity culture re funerals in present day?
- Are there some lessons we can learn from how this was practiced in the 90s?
🦯Conclusion
The solidarity culture in our society is a great heritage that should not stress us financially. We can learn from how our forefathers handled this in the past as we struggle to adapt to a changing world.
Collins MAZU, FCCA. MA
