Aneho City of the Sacred Stone – Part 1/2
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The people of Guins is found, the lunar new year, the sanctuary Glidji–Kpodji, seat of the 41 deities, for what they call there “The City of the Sacred Stone“. Guins are an ethnic group in southern Togo residing in Aneho region, in the prefecture of Epe–Ekpe lakes. In Togo, the period from July to August is the celebration of several traditional festivals. They are often closely linked to the cycle of farm activities that are very important to people. Aneho is a great cultural city. By its rich history, which dates back more than three centuries, two major events mark its cultural life: the festival of black deities and the storming of the Sacred Stone (Kpessosso). What is it exactly? It is an annual celebration in Guins, which has nothing to do with folklore. Generally, it is that it takes place in September, but a few times it takes place in August. The ceremony takes place in the forest, in the presence of the high priests. During it, and depending on the color of the stone taken, the oracle reveals the fate of Guins for the coming year.
The color of the stone in question may be the harbinger of good or bad news. The azure blue or white stone are those for which “we hold our breath.” The white is a harbinger of happiness, prosperity and messages of reconciliation. In this case, the people know automatically that it must do more offerings to the gods of water. If, unfortunately, it is red, it is a sign of troubles to come. This can lead to a long period of drought, crop failure or various types of accidents. Guins must comply with respect banned if they want to stay away from the city any misfortune.
You should know that in this region the animist tradition coexist very successfully with Christian churches. At each annual meeting, all the people are mobilized. Crowds of devotees throng to Aneho. They are involved in social, political and cultural life. This event has become a meeting place for initiation societies of Africa open to the rest of the world. This is also result was a very special festival where cross the Zulus of South Africa, West Indians, African Americans … This nod to the people who were subjected to the slavery is the work of ACOFIN (Association for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage African) that is causing the Festival black deities.
Aneho city property remains retracing his past reveals the Slave House Wool Home (trace of the slave trade) to be missed, or the German cemetery that reveals the presence of “the mark of the German administration “. There is also the lake, the sea, the sandy beaches, the fascinating spectacle of migrating whales, sea turtles that nest along miles of sandy … Three thrones share the city Anèho: Glidji, Lolan Nlesssi and whose palace full of good historical relics. There is also the Regional Museum of Zébé that is, against all odds, pretty empty. Apart from this traditional and spiritual, Aneho is today a beautiful seaside city. Those who have had the chance to spend a holiday show a significant urban renewal underway.
By Mâ KOUMANJI
email : makoumanji@gmail.com
phone : 06 05 79 36 62
Aneho, Aneho, Benin, Benin, Guins, Spirituality, Togo, Togo
