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Circumcision Ceremony in Luhya Community

Circumcision Ceremony in Luhya Community

August 1, 2022 8:34 pm

Wa Kimani

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The luhya community has been the dominant tribe in the western parts of the country. It is believed to be the second largest after the Agikuyu community. The life of luhyas is characterized by a series of events that make the community to be unique among various tribes found in the country. Circumcision in the tradition of lughyas continues to be a must rite of passage through which one is considered to be a grown up and full member of the society. The process involves a series of events before actual circumcision takes place.

Decision is made

A boy or a young man that believes in himself and wants to be circumcised makes the first decision that he is ready for the operation. It is during this period that several consultations will be made with the elders of the particular clan to make sure that the decision reached upon is proven to be right.

Visit to the Uncle

The boys will then visit the uncle in a way that he is expected to show some level of appreciation mostly a cow or any reasonable gift that they can get at the particular time. The visit is meant also to offer the boy/boys some degree of advice and encouragement about the adulthood life and what the society expects from them. The process will then follow the procedure of next step when the boy/boys are sent back home.

Home Ceremony

Upon reaching home, the homestead will be filled with a lot of celebrations during which there will be there a lot of celebrations and dancing. Many things take place during the night and the candidates are continually prepared and encouraged to continue being strong in readiness for the tough task ahead. During the night, songs will be sang and people will be waiting for the morning to arrive for the operation to be done.

Circumcision

The morning starts by the candidates being taken to the river to be washed. It is believed that water makes the skin numb and reduces the pain during the process. The candidates will be applied some mud and taken back to the home stead to face the knife. Cowardice is hugely condemned and those that cry or show fear are whipped by the crowd. The stable ones are highly rewarded. Training follows where the candidates will be assigned some people to look after them.

About the Author

Wa Kimani

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Born in the vibrant heart of Nairobi, Kenya, Wa Kimani was always destined to stand out. From the colorful markets of her hometown to the world's most sophisticated art galleries and fashion runways, her journey has been one of relentless passion and unique insights into the world of fashion and art.

From an early age, Wa's love for patterns, textures, and colors was evident. As she grew, so did her inclination towards integrating traditional Kenyan elements into modern designs. Her family often recalled her incessant sketching and her knack for turning ordinary fabrics into extraordinary ensembles.

Wa's academic pursuits led her to one of Kenya's esteemed universities, where she majored in Fine Arts with a focus on contemporary African fashion. During her years in academia, she frequently contributed articles to local magazines, always stressing the symbiotic relationship between art and fashion.

After graduating, Wa ventured into the fashion journalism scene. She quickly gained recognition as an authoritative voice, blending her keen aesthetic eye with a profound understanding of Kenya's rich artistic heritage. Her articles, deeply rooted in both tradition and modernity, have since graced the pages of international fashion and art journals.

Today, Wa Kimani is celebrated not only as an accomplished writer but also as an advocate for the fusion of traditional African art with contemporary fashion. Through her writings and collaborations with designers and artists alike, she continually strives to showcase the beauty and depth of Kenyan culture to the global audience.