It is December once again. Or Tisemba, as Kalenjin folks say.
The month is synonymous with ceremonies – many are getting married, engagements are being conducted, young boys are graduating to manhood, graduations, and even just celebrating to be alive.
Well, Kalenjin folks take this hallowed month way to seriously in regards to ceremonies. People are eagerly waiting. The calendar is booked up to the last day of the month.
There are distinct characteristics that mark Kalenjin ceremonies. These are;
It is a community affair
The ceremony is a community affair. Everybody contributes in ways they can. Some contribute labour, some money, and some milk or whatever may be needed and they have it. On the appointed day, everybody is welcome, unless one has an unforgivable grudge with the homestead.
Everything revolves around food
The highlight of every ceremony is food. Did it feed the entire crowd and even remain? Did you get a bottle of soda? Well, food is the SI unit of a successful ceremony. A fattened bull is slaughtered, and tonnes of rice procured for these are the most coveted foods in ceremonies.
The old, and the rich call the shots
Just like everywhere, the rich relatives especially those from major cities such as Nairobi call the shots. They are given better treatment, way better than those who laboured for days trying to make sure the day is a success. Those who slaughter chicken may not even see the chicken, let alone taste it. The old people, being the custodian of the family’s history, are treated with reverence too, after the rich people.
Introductions
In the Kalenjin community, the extended family is just as important as the nuclear family. The children of your father’s brothers are your siblings. As a result, there’s a need to remind the in-laws about people who they cannot ‘touch’ because they are related to the person being married off or marrying.
Announcements
A slogan that may befit the Kalenjin would be a corruption of the ‘parte after parte’ song. It is always a ceremony after a ceremony. And when one is done, the next is plotted, where one is almost always lined up. Many are pushed forward when the schedule becomes tight. After a ceremony, an announcement is made, and those seeking to be scheduled also make theirs.
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