Kuvhara mwaka.
Reclaiming a traditional worldview.
By Nyadzombe Nyampenza
It’s a 13 month year in the Shona calendar. Having been busy the ancestors are believed to take a break in the month of Mbudzi. A ceremony to close the year, kuvhara mwaka ushers them into the conclave with God.
Traditionally all spiritual matters are concluded in mid-October. The occasion is marked by an all-night ritual the bira. Attendees participate by singing, dancing and clapping. Traditional beer is consumed from clay pots. Hwematanda, traditional beer brewed over logs of fire is known for its potency. Neophytes are warned to partake with caution. The choice is offered between the beer brewed over Seven-Days, and another prepared over One-Day. Wise ones avoid the One-Day beer. Only the jaded ones go for it. In the compound other modern brands of beer are consumed.
According to tradition, after trees shed their leaves there comes a time when they begin to sprout new ones. That is a sign for the new year approaching. It is believed that the ancestors take a break from watching over the people. Instead they gather all prayers and supplications for the great council with God. The period is declared a holy month. Married couples are encouraged to sleep in separate bedrooms. Young lovers are advised to maintain distant and platonic relationships. All religious ceremonies are suspended. The people are left in the care of vaShavi /guardian spirits.
At Dzimbanhete Arts And Culture Interactions Bira Rekuvhara Mwaka is conducted in a large hut, were people sit barefoot on the floor. Skilled musicians play mbira, ngoma and hosho. Anyone can lead a song. Everyone responds to the call and accompanies the singing with hand clapping. Vigorous dancing raises dust from the mud floor. The lyrics in the songs are simple one-liners that resonate with deep meaning. ‘’Deedzai machinda anorwa hondo’’ is a militant call to arms against an undisclosed threat and foe. ‘’Ndashaya anondiperekedza musango’’ sounds like a plea for guidance and protection before journeying into a metaphorical forest. “Handina mwana anoita rombe’’ reads like a pompous brag, but is more of a fervent prayer for the material success of one’s offspring. While ‘’Varimugomba varamba kudaira’’ despairs over unanswered prayer, it does not entirely lose hope. The night culminates in spirit possession and channeling of messages from the ancestors.
A bira ceremony is usually conducted by family and relatives. By creating an event and hosting the bira, Dzimbanhete Arts And Culture Interactions opens the ceremony to a wider public. It is a unique opportunity for people to learn more about their culture. It helps foster a decolonized and desecularized worldview.
