 |
 |
Xhosa Heritage - Culture
Death (Ukufa)
Death marks the physical separation of the individual from other human beigns. The soul, which is divine, is believed to join the spiritual world where it originated. Some time after the burial, depending on different clans, a ritual to accompany (ukukhapha) the deceased is performed by the clan. The period may differ from one year up to three years after the death of the individual. This ritual symbolically shows the communal way of life where the living spiritually accompany the deceased to the spiritual world and to "remind" him/her to remember those s/he left behind. Another ritual performed is ukubiyisa (bringing back) the deceased. The bringing back ritual ensures that an individual is spiritually among his or her people and also protects the living.A grave is respected as it is believed that the one who is inside is not dead but "asleep". In some instances, for various reasons, the living will visit the grave to speak to the deceased. That is why people would like to know where their deceased ancestor is "lying".
1998 - 2007 Afrikan Virtual Resource and Nalane.
All rights reserved.