Libations can also be given by leaving glasses of clear water, along with other items, for the recently departed. African libation practices in the gospel of mark huffpost. This is an important matter as many of us do not realize that when you pour libation you are awakening the ancestors. It is poured for us a to remember and honor those who walked and worked before us and thus paved the path down which we now walk, b to reaffirm our link to them and our life through them, c to raise models before the community that instruct and inspire, d to express. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Ancient israel libations were part of ancient judaism and are mentioned in the bible.
In the book of the dead in the odyssey, odysseus digs an offering pit around. Pouring libations is both an african and biblical tradition. Dec 03, 2015 libations and the ancient history of pouring one out words. In this video i discuss the power of of the element water as libation to our ancestors. The initiates of these religious spiritual orders pour libations to their deities and ancestors in many rituals both public and private and priests often give these libations on a daily basis. Libation acts as a form of offering to the gods or ancestors. Pouring out digital libations for those who now walk with the ancestors. How to have an afrocentric wedding libation ceremony. Libations and the ancient history of pouring one out words.
Holy water, or alcohol, is poured onto the ground in each of the cardinal directions as prayers are recited to the ancestral spirits, and names of those that have recently passed are called out. When the holy temple stood, every sacrifice included wine libations poured over the altar. In african culture, the ritual of pouring libation is an essential ceremonial tradition and a way of giving homage to the ancestors. I should, however, nuance my statement about the shrinking grounds of the panyin. It is one thing to see us and hear us do it but to understand each ancestor we call. In ayi kwei armahs estimation, this legend explains the rise of a propitiatory custom found everywhere on the african continent. We pour to honor the past, so that we may learn from it. Various substances have been used for libations, most commonly wine or other alcoholic drinks, olive oil, honey, and in. In africa, ancestors are not only respected, they are invited to participate in all public functions as are also the gods. After awakening the ancestors, we have to actually do something, discuss something or work a ritual. The offering of libation engages the pouring of liquid, such as water or wine, on the ground in a particular mold while reverence is paid to the ancestors.
The onlookers were horrified and pelted him with their etrogim. A brief history of libations pouring libations for spirits, divine entities, and forebears is a tradition thats almost as old as written history itself. There are many reasons why we pour libation in african traditional religions, honoring the ancestors and vodou, asking for knowledge, protection, guidance and more. It is suggested that libation originated somewhere in the upper nile valley and spread out to other regions of africa and the world. A libation is a ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering to a god or spirit or in memory of those who have died. Libations and the ancient history of pouring one out vinepair. A mat called a mkeka is laid on a table and decorated with 7 candles representing the 7 principles and one is lit on each day of kwanzaa. Mar 09, 2018 anyone can practice pouring libations. Such ancestors are remembered as we recognize christs death through food and drink.
The vessels used in the ritual, including the patera, often had a significant. Libation is from the latin verb libare, to libate, to pour out in honor of a god. The ancient roman libation tubes that connected the living. It is one thing to see us and hear us do it but to understand each ancestor we call on and why is so gratifying. Pouring libation is one of the oldest and favorite rituals practiced in most every village most every dayand many times at that. Pouring libation can help overcome fears, anxieties and frustrations. A prayer is offered in the form of libations, calling the ancestors to attend with an.
Many africanamerican couples incorporate a libation ceremony into their weddings as a way to honor their african ancestors. Ideally, once you have poured libation you should be talking to the ancestors like you talk to any other living person. Pour libation for your father and mother who rest in the valley of the dead. A libation is a ritual pouring of a liquid, or grains such as rice, as an offering to a deity. In some situations libations are given in the form of solids. Before i embark on a long trip, i pour libation so that i am kept safe and so that my trip goes well, successful libation is the same as making a long distance call.
Trott, accompanied by other members of the afrikan studies club, poured libations, a ritual popular among many african tribes. After service, a deacon will take the libation across the street to the park and pour it out in a counterclockwise motion in the earth. For the millions of african ancestors men, women and children who perished in the middle passage the maafa. The ancient romans took the practice of pouring out libations to a new level, though. You can do so by water free of chemicals spring water on earth directly or in a plant or bowl. Libation is not complete without at bare minimum thanking the ancestors or requesting something like support, stability, clarity, spiritual cleansing or protection etc.
The libation ritual, as interpreted by africans, is the offering of drink water, sometimes gin to ancestral spirits. Any liquid can be used to pour libation, but water, milk, honey, oil, wine. Feb 21, 2019 we opened the event with two african traditional spiritual practitioners, mark ifeoluwa lilly and iya omitosin fayemi, pouring libations with prayer spoken in yoruba. In the book of the dead in the odyssey, odysseus digs an offering pit around which he pours in order honey, wine, and water. Pouring libations is a tradition way of praying with water to add power to your words. A childrens guide to the ancestors kindle edition by amir, dynast, clemons, yashar. Rbg blakademics july, 2010 ancestral libation the companion videoto all our ancestors of antiquity, who developed great knowledge and gave civilization to the world.
Libations project gutenberg selfpublishing ebooks read. The libation is symbolic of invoking these energies, it is at this point where the prayer is stated plus giving thanks and appreciation for the guidance and blessings received. Listen to hiphop music and youll probably hear mentions of libations being poured out to honor dead friends and family. A petition is made while pouring water or alcohol to the creator and to the passed over ancestors, for their assistance with our human affairs. Feb 09, 2019 pouring libations is a tradition way of praying with water to add power to your words. The types of libation rituals and ceremonies in igboland. Once we start pouring libation to the ancestors we are in effect, re mending the broken lines that were severed during slavery and for the african still on the continent the lines were severed during colonialism. The origin of libation among the heroic, the legendary, the mythical, the magical and the divine is reflected and reinforced by its status in the sacred literature of the classical african tradition in kemet ancient egypt, where it is an ancient command from the practice of the sacred african ancestors.
Some people pour libations using water, beer, liquor,wine. Unity fellowship church of baltimore ufcb libation. Where does the practice of pouring one out for your homies. However, itu mmanyi or libation is a sacrament set aside wholly for those that had positive impact in. Feb 10, 2006 one of the first activities of kwanzaa is the pouring of libation tambiko for the ancestors. The libation uses one of the kwanzaa artifacts, the unity cup kikombe cha umoja in kiswahili, water, and a live plant. Oct 05, 1997 the libation ritual, as interpreted by africans, is the offering of drink water, sometimes gin to ancestral spirits. Jun 24, 2015 ancestral healing prayer posted on june 24, 2015 by queen adira standard i offer light and pour libation with respect and honor for all my ancestors whose names i know say all the names that you know and all the ones i dont know to uplift and liberate their souls in the name and light of the almighty god. And it is becoming increasingly commonplace at family occasions like. A libation is a ritual pouring of a liquid, or grains such as rice, as an offering to a deity or spirit. The usual liquid to pour out in the context of honoring a god or ones ancestors is wine or some other alcoholic drink, although a libation can be any liquid. Oct 08, 2016 the ritual of pouring libation is an essential ceremonial tradition and a way of giving homage to the ancestors. Although water may be used, the drink is typically some traditional wine e.
Libation is not complete without at bare minimum thanking the ancestors or. We do our part by waking the ancestors by calling on them and they will come and work on our behalf. Pouring libations at the point of no return,goree island mp3 duration 3. In ancient rome, milk was poured out to the goddess of childbirth. Holy water, or alcohol, is poured onto the ground in each of the cardinal directions as prayers are recited to the ancestral spirits, and names of those that have recently. Nothing of any significance happens in africa without libations, mr. What is the role of libations, or ritual pouring of wine, milk and sometimes honey for the dead ancestors. The english word libation derives from the latin libatio, an act of pouring, from the verb libare, to taste, sip. Breaking the kola is an ice breaker when guests arrive and before discussing any vital issues. It must be known that although liquor is the most commonly used substance for pouring libation. A roman catholic archbishop in south africa has suggested that a libation of blooda ritual pouring as a symbolic sacrifice honoring the ancestors. This is a beautiful book to help the youth understand why we pour libations. During the service, we use the libation liquid to anoint those needing prayer. It promotes respect for elders and the ancestors, hope, healing, unity and harmony all through the reinforcement of common bonds.
The nubian wedding book by ingrid sturgis, which was published this year by. Libations to our african black ancestors who paved the. Mar 05, 2019 more about libations and the queen of heaven. Jul 01, 2014 that must have been a good reason to share it with the gods and ancestors. Apr 30, 2011 some people pour libations using water, beer, liquor,wine. They also pour libations to give thanks to both god and the ancestors. On the matter of what to offer the ancestor or deities, we have the choice of water, wine and hard liquor. Pouring libation for the ancestors the true essence of. At kwanzaa, pouring libation for the ancestors is a very important ritual. For those who have issues with a woman pouring libationswomen are priests. The pouring of libation in african rituals must be performed for such entrance in the tsiefeancestral land.
Karenga considers this a very important ritual and actually quotes from an ancient egyptian religion book called ani also known as the egyptian book of the dead when he says the following. Excerpt from article on african holocaust by kimani nehusi. In fact, the very word libation comes from the latin word libare, which means to taste, sip, pour out, or. There are occasions where the names of ancestors and the ability to pray do matter, also to the young. How to host your own african ancestral remembrance. His family frequently poured a libation to call upon ancestors for. Ani says, pour libation for your father and mother who rest in the valley of the departed. In african cultures, african traditional religions the ritual of pouring libation is an essential ceremonial tradition and a way of giving homage to the ancestors.
Libations to our african black ancestors who paved the way. Sage reference libation sage knowledge sage publications. The libation ritual is commonly called challa and is performed quite often, usually before meals and during celebrations. Remember the ancestors iccaamp has proclaimed every second weekend in june beginning in 2016 as the international commemoration to remember the ancestors of the middle passage the maafa. An african proverb tells us that people who lack the knowledge of their past are like a tree without roots. So, in the spirit of remembrance, we pour this libation. Nov 14, 2019 a prayer is offered in the form of libations, calling the ancestors to attend. A libation is a ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering to a god or spirit or in.
It was common in many religions of antiquity and continues to be offered in cultures today. A prayer is offered in the form of libations, calling the ancestors to attend. Libation definition is an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice as to a deity. Isaiah uses libation as a metaphor when describing the end of the suffering servant figure who poured out his life unto death. Libation a ritual in african life african holocaust society. Dec 03, 2018 the act of the greeks pouring one out even gets name dropped in the the iliad, specifically in book vi, where the mother of the legendary warrior hector tells him, wait till i fetch you some sweet honeyed wine, first to pour a libation to zeus and the other gods, and then for your relief if you will drink. Sometimes several people will hear the message or hear parts of the message that then can be pieced together to make one complete communication from the ancestors. The idea is that the libations is a sacrifice, and when they are poured you must be giving something of value. Where does the practice of pouring one out for your.
Nov 22, 2016 in this video i discuss the power of of the element water as libation to our ancestors. Evil, but pouring one out is a lot older than you might think. We poured libation to express gratitude and create connection with the ancestors, connection fortified with the healing, calming and nourishing properties of water. Libation is the ritual of pouring liquor to an object of worship or to the gods, spirits or ancestors. The chronological order of his words when pouring libation drink offering were not. According to ayi kwei armah, this legend explains the rise of a propitiatory custom found everywhere on the african continent. Libation was part of ancient egyptian society where it was a drink offering to honor and please the various divinities, sacred ancestors, humans present and not present, as well as the environment. It is a very common traditional ritual in so many cultures across the world. In the roman catholic tradition, mary the mother of jesus is often referred to as queen of heaven.
It was common in many religions of antiquity and continues to be offered in cultures today various substances have been used for libations, most commonly wine or other alcoholic drinks, olive oil, honey, and in india, ghee. The transcendent kinship beyond death is very important in the overall purposes of the ritual of libation. After awakening the ancestors, we have to actually do something, discusss something or work a ritual. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading its libation time. Honoring the ancestors pouring libations at the point of. A libation may be poured with any drinkable liquid including water, milk, wine, beer, or strong spirits. The act of the greeks pouring one out even gets name dropped in the the iliad, specifically in book vi, where the mother of the legendary warrior hector tells him, wait till i fetch you some sweet honeyed wine, first to pour a libation to zeus and. In certain african cultures, the ritual of pouring libation is an essential ceremonial tradition and a way of giving homage to the ancestors. While pouring libation the minister will say a prayer honoring our pass and our ancestors.
The ancient roman libation tubes that connected the living to. The libation toast giver holds up a cup filled with water and says the following. A prayer is offered in the form of libations, calling the ancestors to. Such events may include the beginning of an activitysuch as a meeting of chiefs, a special occasionsuch as the birth of a child, or simply. American blacks adopt libation ceremony, echo of african practice, which. Jun 24, 2012 rbg ancestral libation and ancestors prayer 1. International coalition to commemorate the african ancestors of the middle passage. For as you do for your parents, your children will do for you also book of ani kemet. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. The unity cup is used and must be administered by either an elder or priest. The act of the greeks pouring one out even gets name dropped in the the iliad, specifically in book vi, where the mother of the legendary warrior hector tells him, wait till i fetch you some sweet honeyed wine, first to pour a libation to zeus and the other gods, and then for your relief if you will drink. Ancestors are not only respected in such cultures, but also invited to participate in all public functions as are also the gods and god. The libation creates a circle of unity by acknowledging that all of creation is affected by what each one of us chooses to recognize and to do. The libation of dark red, sweet wine is symbolic of the blood of dionysos.
In his book titled wretched of the earth frantz fanon one of africas wellknown psychiatrist, philosopher,postcolonialist says each generation must discover its mission, fulfill it or betray it the questions that fanon raises for us former colonized and neocolonized blacks around the world african people today. It was common in many religions of antiquity and continues to be offered in various cultures today various substances have been used for libations, most commonly wine or olive oil, and in india, ghee. If you are pouring libation prior to a public event, you ask for blessings for that event or those in attendance. A libation is a ritual pouring of a liquid, or grains such as rice, as an offering to a deity or spirit, or in memory of the dead. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Ears of corn are placed on the mkeka, along with a unity cup called a kikombe cha umoja for pouring libations.
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