“Nothing Is Sacred Anymore”: Mzansi Reacts to Family’s Ancestor Ceremony With Chickens and a Goat

• A family performing a traditional ritual at home experienced an unexpected mishap when a chicken's feathers caught fire from nearby candles
• The amusing yet culturally significant moment, captured and shared on Facebook, showcased the family's reaction to the incident during their ceremony
• Social media users reacted with mixed views, finding humour in the event, while also debating the sacredness of such rituals being filmed
• Briefly News spoke with Mkhulu Thobile, a local traditional healer, about the unexpected occurrences during the family's ceremony

A unique family moment, involving a traditional ritual and an accident, sparked considerable online discussion.

The intriguing clip was shared on Facebook by Mzansi Collectors, generating a huge debate among viewers.

The video captured a family performing a traditional ritual in the corner of their home during the evening. A live goat sat calmly among them, accompanied by two chickens, a black and a white one. The setup also included various offerings such as cold drinks and fruits, with candles lit to create an ethereal atmosphere. An elderly woman, dressed in a solemn white church garment, was leading the ceremony.

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A ceremony's unexpected turn

As the woman was engaged in their clan praises, one of the chickens, likely frightened or simply in motion, brushed against a flickering candle flame. Its feathers immediately caught light, causing a brief moment of alarm. This unexpected occurrence prompted a young lady present to apologise aloud to her ancestors for the incident. The gesture that led to a burst of laughter among the entire family, highlighting their shared amusement despite the seriousness of the occasion.

An insight into traditional rituals

We at Briefly News had the pleasure of connecting with Mkhulu Thobile, a Cape Town traditional leader, to discuss the video showing a chicken's feathers catching fire during a traditional ritual.

The team asked the man what the significance of using live animals and candles in such ceremonies is. He responded:

"Live animals, like chickens and goats, are important offerings, representing a connection between the physical and spiritual realms. Candles symbolise light, presence, and purity, creating the sacred atmosphere needed for ancestors to connect with us."

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We asked the sangoma from a traditional perspective, how should such an unexpected incident as a chicken catching fire during a sacred ritual be interpreted? The Cape Town-based traditional healer shared:

"An incident like that can be interpreted in several ways. It might be a sign that the ancestors are present and acknowledging the offering, sometimes even showing a playful side, as seen by the family's laughter. It could also be a reminder to be more vigilant or for cleansing, depending on the context and the guidance received. Lastly, it could be a sign that the ancestors are rebelling, and seeking attention, or the family has been neglecting them for some time."

When asked what the most important element is to ensure the ceremony is respected and effective beyond just the offering. The traditional healer said:

"Beyond offerings, the most important element is sincerity and pure intention (intliziyo emhlophe). The heart with which you approach the ancestors, your respect for the tradition, and the clarity of your purpose are very important. Everything else follows from that genuine connection and reverence."

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Mzansi debates family ritual

The family's reaction to the chicken incident entertained many social media users. They stated that joy and laughter from the family brought a smile to their faces. Some viewers interpreted the ritual as a form of ancestral worship. They used an opportunity to educate online users about the spiritual significance of such ceremonies, often referencing religious scriptures to support their points. Others expressed strong disapproval, cautioning that ancestral rituals were sacred and should not be recorded and shared on social media platforms.

User @Nomusa Millicent Jele said:

"That's not a good sign."

User @Naledi Amanda Dube shared:

"Why are they filming a sacred space? Uk’phapha akufuneki edlozini (the ancestors will humble you). That’s why nembuzi izivithizela impepho, kuvutha (that's why the goat is eating impepho, and the other one is on fire)."

User @Brian De ITwizard Khumalo commented:

"These are not things you take videos of and post on social media, you can't take a video yomsamo at all. Ngaze ngacasuka (I'm so pissed)."

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User @Sthe Kesari Mncwabe added:

"I've never seen such a relaxed goat that's about to be executed. That's not a goat, that ninja's wearing a costume."

User @Stevo Leps shared:

"Confused molecules, these ones."

User @Cde Mercy Seekers said:

"Nothing is sacred anymore. Y'all are making African traditions known to foreign nations. This is a disgrace to the underground gang and our culture in general."

Watch the Facebook video below:

3 Brief News articles about families

• A local makoti shared a video of her and her in-laws going to perform an Easter tradition at the graveyard in the early hours of the morning.
• A mother visiting her son's house told her daughter-in-law to dress in anything she was comfortable in, adding that she was expected to wear the makoti's traditional attire when at their home.
• A gogo watched her two granddaughters with pride while performing a traditional dance at an Eastern Cape rural ceremony.

Source: Briefly News