Venda Culture
August 8, 2008
Unfortunately, the chief was vacationing at his home in Cape Town during our visit, so we were only able to approach the gates of his compound. Even this much access required twenty minutes of negotiation between the chief’s underlings and our guides, Dr. Dima and Solly. After many bows, gesticulations, niceties, and donations, we were able to wander briefly around the compound.
The Sacred Forest
Traditionally, the Venda people were buried at home. However, after ten to fifteen years, their remains would be uncovered by family members and brought here, to the Sacred Forest. The family members would spend the night in the forest, using snuff to help them communicate with the ancestors, and leave the remains deep in the forest so that their loved one can join the ancestors there.
Now, the Sacred Forest, a fertile area of wetland and rainforest, is surrounded on all sides by towering, slim pine trees that have been planted for paper production. It is certain that these pines are straining the land and draining it of its water (pine trees require huge amounts of water to thrive), but for now, the rainforest remains, its very existence among the pines a reason to consider it sacred.
Lake Fundudzi
The ghosts of the ancestors of the Venda people swirl beneath the surface of Lake Fundudzi. When you visit the lake you must greet them through ritual, without looking at the lake directly. Turn around, keeping your back to the lake, and then bend over so that your head hangs between your legs. Now, open your eyes. The lake is before you, swimming upside down. Call “Fundudzi!” and raise yourself out of your pose. Now, you may gaze at the blue waters, home to many sacred fish and snakes, and of course, the powerful ancestors.
October 4, 2008 at 2:26 am
South Africans believe in ghosts and spirits, which means that they have a strong faith. They also pay their respects to the spirits when they vist Lake Fundudzi.
October 6, 2008 at 2:24 pm
In the Rain forest it would be cover with piles of dirt on top of the ground because the people would bring their dead family members into the sacred forest. The noise make the forest seem adventurous and somewhat peaceful.
October 6, 2008 at 2:28 pm
South Africans are very faitful towards their ancestors. They respect their ancestors a lot and take their worship towards their ancestors seriously. They strongly belive in their ancestors and spirits when they visit the lake.
October 7, 2008 at 2:23 pm
The fact that the chief has to be convinced to let the guides as well as tourists, enter the grounds shows that the government is very protective over their land. It also shows that it is very much involved.
October 7, 2008 at 2:25 pm
They believe in spirits and have a strong faith in culture. they also go visit the forest to pay their condolenced.the land is very protected
October 8, 2008 at 1:43 am
This article refers to Culture of South Africa because it shows how the chief of the Village is very important and with much respect are people able to enter the compound of the chief.Also the piece on the Sacred Forest represents culture because it shows of the Native’s great belief in Ancestors and deceased loved ones to be able to reach their ancestors in the Afterlife.
October 9, 2008 at 9:16 pm
This article greatly portrays the culture of south africa. The chief holds an amazing amount of respect and loyalty. Also the lake is cool because poeple must perform a ritual in order to be honered by its beauty and history. Its understandable because the lake holds the spirits of all the ancestors. So when the ritual is performed your acknowledging them and showing your respect for the location.