What is an African libation ceremony?

What is an African libation ceremony?

Pouring of Libations: In traditional African cultures pouring libations is a ritual usually involving the pouring of water. It is a spiritual act between the living and the “dead”, such as ancestors, deities, etc. When we pour libations it becomes easier for us to be connected to our ancestors.

Why do Africans pour libations?

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. Ancestors are not only respected in such cultures, but also invited to participate in all public functions (as are also the gods and God).

What is the purpose of a libation?

The libation ceremony is a ritual of pouring a liquid as an offering to a spirit, deity, or soul of a person who is deceased. This can happen during casual social settings or big milestone moments, such as weddings.

What does pouring alcohol on the ground mean?

Just a quick refresher for the uninitiated: pouring one out refers to “the act of pouring liquid (usually an alcoholic beverage) on the ground as a sign of reverence for friends or relatives that have passed away. In most cases, a 40 ounce bottle (see: forty) of liquor is used.” That’s Urban Dictionary’s definition.

Why is alcohol called libation?

Certain ceremonies require dumping a little bit of liquid, usually alcohol, onto the ground. It might seem wasteful, but it’s really a powerful symbolic act called a libation — and it’s worth every drop. In ancient Greece, anyone could make a libation as a sacrifice in hopes that the gods would see it and be pleased.

What is a symbolic libation?

What is the first stage of libation?

When any libation is poured, the personal name of the Supreme Being, Kwame, is mentioned first and He is asked to come and drink. The next to be called is the earth, personi- fied as Thursday Earth (Asaase Yaa). After these two come the other Akan deities, ancestral spirits, etc.

What is another name for libation?

In this page you can discover 8 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for libation, like: drink, gift, offering, oblation, sacrifice, holy-water, raki and null.

What does libation mean in religion?

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. 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.

What is libation antonym?

A serving (of wine) poured out in honor of a deity. Antonyms. misfortune bad luck abstain dishonor. serving helping.

What does Libatious mean?

1a : an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a deity) They offered a libation at the temple. b : a liquid (such as wine) used in a libation. 2a : an act or instance of drinking often ceremoniously a libation to celebrate their anniversary.

What is libation sacrifice?

libation, act of pouring a liquid (frequently wine, but sometimes milk or other fluids) as a sacrifice to a deity. Related Topics: sacrifice. human sacrifice.

What is a synonym for libations?

nounbeverage; alcoholic beverage. alcohol. booze. brew.

Why is alcohol called libations?

The definition of a libation is an alcoholic drink or the pouring of wine or oil as a religious ritual. An example of a libation is a beer. The liquid so poured. The act of drinking an intoxicating beverage.

What does a bibulous person like?

The adjective bibulous describes something that is highly absorbent, like a towel or sponge that soaks up liquid well. A bibulous person, however, is someone who likes to drink alcohol.

What does Trepidancy mean?

or nervous agitation
trepidancy (uncountable) (rare) Trembling caused by fear or nervous agitation.

What is the purpose of pouring libation in African rituals?

The pouring of libation in African rituals must be performed for such entrance in the tsiefe-ancestral land. Such ancestors are remembered as we recognize Christ’s death through food and drink. The transcendent kinship beyond death is very important in the overall purposes of the ritual of libation.

What is a libation ceremony?

The libation ceremony is a ritual of pouring a liquid as an offering to a spirit, deity, or soul of a person who is deceased. This can happen during casual social settings or big milestone moments, such as weddings.

What do you think about the practice of making libations?

I thought that the practice was weird but very symbolic and really touched my heart. While many Christians find the practice of making libations to be unchristian, there are others in the society who considers this an important ritual that has to be performed to acknowledge the supernatural among the people.

What impact did the African practice of libation have on Africa?

The African practice of libation had a significant impact on setting forth our understanding of hospitality, tokens of fellowship and respect, for family living and dead, continuity and contact. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform.