Celebrated Ceremonies and cultural events

As promised in the last posting i will be discussing different ceremonies and cultural events that took place during my stay in the village. Some of these ceremonies have been very important in influencing my adult life and also enabling me to appreciate and value our cultural heritage and diversity.

Nyoluoro

This ceremony was held immediately after harvesting in appreciation to the abundance in harvest that God had blessed the community with. Why 'nyoluoro'? It was named so because of the nature of organizing this ceremonies where each home ( household) was expected to contribute and prepare foodstuff and brew local beer for the villagers to celebrate. This was a rotational event moving from home to home until all the homes within the village were exhausted hence 'Nyoluoro' meaning to go round.

I particularly liked this ceremony because it was always an avenue to meet so many old men, women and friends who always accompanied their parents to such events. While the old men and women enjoyed the local beer after a hearty meal of Nyama choma and ugali, roasted tripe and even the tripe bowel (known locally as Ojuri) we took the time off to play some football, volleyball and even competed in races. it was a great moment and the competition was very tight if i look back now i think it has been a worthwhile adventure and learning ground for me.

Usually the climax of the events was traditional dances and even traditional music that was always played to entertain the village folks. There would be the chorus guy leading these songs, in most cases this was Benjamin Okumbe, the rest of the women folk would ululate and sing along in a beatiful rhythm and such was the harmony and peace that we enjoyed growing up in the village. During these songs, there would be uniform dance style and the whole group would move from the main house dancing and singing upto the gate of the home and back again and this would go on and on for different songs till dusk.

It is quite nostalgic remebering these things so many years later when there is only one remaining old man still surviving out of the whole lot of them. As i write this piece i see clearly my grandfather Enoka Gauna, Riako Ndisi, Mariko Otiato, Ogude Apiyo, Nyangute Kasure, Ambila, Otana, Mawere Odiyo, Odipo Dalmas, Ndege, Peter Ogoyi, and the only surviving group member Benjamin Okumbe wuon Oyola. To the demise may God Rest your souls in Peace.

expect more in the next blog as we continue our village experiences.