Tribe That Prepares Meals Using Water From The Deceased (Photos)

Africans are renowned for their rich cultural beliefs and practices, many of which can be perceived as unconventional or even inhumane by outsiders. Among these, the Chewa community’s festival for the dead stands out as particularly shocking to many. This Bantu tribe, primarily located in Malawi, has unique customs surrounding death that reflect deep-rooted beliefs about the afterlife and communal responsibility.

In a video obtained by PUNCH, it was gathered that at the heart of the Chewa funeral tradition is the washing of the deceased’s body, a ritual performed with great reverence. During this ceremony, the corpse is taken to a sacred location where it undergoes a cleansing process. This involves slitting the throat of the deceased and allowing water to flow through their body, symbolically purging them of their sins. The water collected from this ritual is then used to prepare a communal meal, signifying that the deceased has been cleansed and is now free from iniquities.

The significance of attendance at these funerals cannot be overstated. When a member of the Chewa tribe passes away, it is customary for the entire village to gather in mourning. This stems from a belief that death is often caused by witchcraft rather than natural causes.

Consequently, those who may have been involved in witchcraft would avoid attending the funeral out of fear. Thus, every family member is expected to show up, resulting in a gathering that often includes the entire village due to their interconnectedness.In Chewa culture, funerals are not merely somber occasions but are imbued with communal significance and collective mourning.

Also, in a post by Ghana Webbers, a media outlet based in Ghana, stated that the villagers come together not only to pay respects but also to support the bereaved family. Each clan typically brings food to share, ensuring that no undue burden is placed on those who are grieving. This practice fosters unity and reinforces social bonds within the community during times of loss.

The role of masks and dance during these ceremonies adds another layer of complexity to Chewa funeral traditions. The vibrant performances often feature elaborate masks that represent various spirits and characters from Chewa mythology. These masks serve as conduits between the living and the dead, guiding the deceased’s spirit into the afterlife while celebrating their life among those they leave behind.Moreover, specific items related to the deceased’s life are placed in their coffin as part of the burial ritual.

For hunters, this may include tools essential for their trade, while women might have personal belongings included as well. This practice honors their contributions during life and ensures they are equipped for whatever lies beyond death.

Historically, it was taboo for anyone to use property belonging to the deceased after their passing; such actions were believed to provoke spirits.The maintenance of graveyards holds profound importance within Chewa culture.

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Annually, village heads coordinate community efforts to clear and care for graveyards, reflecting love and respect for those who have passed away. This collective action not only honors individual deceased members but also reinforces community solidarity and shared heritage.Inside the house where the body lies—known as siwa—only women are permitted to stay overnight with the coffin, while men gather outside.

 

This separation underscores traditional gender roles within mourning practices while allowing women to fulfill their cultural responsibilities during this sacred time.As outsiders observe these rituals, it becomes clear that they encapsulate a complex interplay of grief, celebration, and cultural identity. The Chewa community’s approach to death challenges conventional perceptions by transforming what could be a purely mournful event into a vibrant celebration of life and ancestry.

While some may find aspects of Chewa funeral practices unsettling or bizarre, they are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs that emphasize community support, respect for ancestors, and a profound understanding of life’s cyclical nature. These traditions offer valuable insights into how different cultures navigate grief and honor those who have departed from this world.