Bira (ceremony)
Bira is the name of a traditional ceremony at the Shona in Zimbabwe to the otherwise restless roving mind of the deceased to give, which takes place about a year after the death of a relative and its burial as a second dead ritual a home again in the family circle.
During the day, the family goes to the grave with food and traditionally brewed millet beer to persuade the ancestral soul to return home. The actual ritual takes place in the evening and at night, when a previously determined family member or who has suddenly become terminally ill, often the oldest son of the deceased, is seized by his spirit and falls into a trance . In addition, hours of dances are performed, which are accompanied by special music by the Mbira Dza Vadzimu . During the ceremony, “modern” items (digital clocks, etc.) that could keep the ghost away are forbidden.
Millet beer is needed again the next morning when it is poured over an ox's head. If he shakes his head, the ritual was successful. The process can be repeated. Eventually the ceremony is successfully completed and the Ancestral Soul is brought to rest in the family circle.
The Bira ritual is at the center of the Shona religion. It is necessary to maintain contact with the ancestors. The ritual can also be used as a means to strengthen social morality if the ancestor, through the medium while in trance, denounces grievances or a deviation from tradition.
The Shona religion also includes a vague idea of a raptured sky god, Mwari . While one tries to gain protection and help from the ancestors through sacrifice and obedience, the Mwari can even be scolded in the event of severe misfortune.
literature
- Oyekan Owomoyela: Culture and Customs of Zimbabwe. Greenwood Publishing Group, Westport CT (USA) 2002, pp. 37-39.
- Michael Gelfand: The spiritual beliefs of the Shona . Mambo Press, Gweru , 1982, ISBN 0-86922-077-2 , u. a. Preface by speaker Father M. Hannan.