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Xhosa Heritage - African Traditional Religion
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The belief in ancestors shows that the soul is immortal, that there is "life after death" or a continuation of life from this world. Life after death does not entail reward or punishment as these are believed to take place in this life. Doing good is rewarded in this world by the ancestors who are believed to be the mouth-piece of the Creator. Disturbing harmony by disrespect, doing evil things to God's creative work, or ignoring one's duties result in punishment. Punishment manifest itself either in misfortune or sickness which can easily be detected by the community elderly as different from other misfortunes or sicknesses caused by other factors. If misfortune or sickness is due to punishment by the ancestors, a ritual of appeasement is performed wherein the culprit publicly announces his/her repentance and his/her plea for forgiveness in truth and honesty. After public appeasement and plea, and if the ancestors agreed that it was done in truth and honesty, the culprit is forgiven and healed.Adapted from "African Traditional Religion: An introduction for beginners" - by Nokuzola Mndende, Icamagu Institute.
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