The religious and moral aspects of Juba jansomo traditional ceremony of the Kaonde people of Kasempa district, Zambia.
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Date
2019
Authors
Mutobo, Caren
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The study investigated the religious and moral aspects of Juba Jansomo traditional ceremony of the Kaonde people. The objectives of the study were to; explore the religious and moral components of Juba Jansomo tradition ceremony of the Kaonde people, to establish the significance of the religious and moral practices of the ceremony on the lives of the Kaonde people, to ascertain how religious and moral aspect are transmitted from generation to another in the Juba Jansomo tradition ceremony of the Kaonde people. The study employed a qualitative approach using ethnography research design. A total sample of, fifteen participants consisting of the senior chief, eight headmen, four women and two girls participated in the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, focused groups, discussions, non-participant observation and document analysis. Collected data for the study were thematically analyzed. The study established that Juba Jansomo was known for libation and appeasing the spirits of the dead by offering the traditional drink called (Ntoongo). This was done on the third day before the ceremony by pouring the Ntoongo on
the junction of the roads called (pamasanga) in local language by the indunas (bitumba fumo). On the moral aspects, the study revealed that, Juba Jansomo Traditional ceremony promotes unity, respect, and during initiation ceremony girls are taught survival skills and to be creative. On the significance of the religious and moral aspects the study revealed that religious aspects guided people on what to do to awake the spirits of the dead. Religious aspects in Juba Jansomo traditional ceremony includes libation, visiting the Kamusongolwa Mountain, and the killing of the male goat. Libation involves splashing and pouring of the traditional drink (Ntoongo) in the shrine and at the road junction. This shows appreciation to
the ancestors for good harvest. On the significance of moral aspect, the study found that Juba Jansomo promoted harmony and cooperation. Furthermore, the study established how Juba Jansomo transmits its religious and moral aspects from generation to another through dances,
songs, storytelling and symbolic dress. The study concluded that celebrated the ceremony annually transmits the values, norms beliefs and kaonde culture from one generation to another. This study recommends that Juba Jansomo should continue to be practiced as its Religious aspects make people to respect the spirits of the dead in return they blessed their land and crops. Juba Jansomo should be preserved because it promotes harmony, peace and respect for one another. It also invokes the spirit of giving in the community.
Description
Thesis of Master of Education in Religious Studies.