These articles are written by Members of AFSANI to share with you their views on various topics concerning Akan culture and spirituality. The topics will include those aspects of the culture and spirituality which had a great or the greatest impact in their everyday lifestyles (hair, attire, names, family, etc.). Therefore, there is no right or wrong answers to the questions or comments which you might have since these are very personal experiences and perspectives on the topics of their choice. We encourage you to visit this page often as it will change as members write their stories. Enjoy the page and leave us your comment.

BUILDING A SACRED BRIDGE TO YOUR ANCESTORS
By Okomfo Ama Anum Yeboa

Sankofa - It is not taboo to go back and fetch what has been forgotten. -- Akan Proverb

There are numerous resources available on how one can connect to their Ancestors. Countless of African Americans are now taking the time to research their ancestral lineage and finding ways to reclaim their African heritage. But nothing can compare to the personal and intimate relationship that one can build with their Ancestors when a conscious decision is made to embrace the traditions of those Ancestors.

In my experience in Akan culture, I have found the relationship one can continue to have with deceased loved ones to be the most fulfilling and comforting aspect of the culture. My first exposure to Akan culture was during an Akwasidae. It was a very memorable moment for me. It allowed me the opportunity to celebrate the life of my loved ones that had transitioned and it also opened me up to receive the blessings of the Abosom and my Nsamanfo. It was at that celebration that I was able to begin to pull back the many layers of my character and begin to express myself in a more spiritual manner. Attending the Akwasidae celebration was my first step in fulfilling my spiritual blueprint.

Uunbeknownst to me at the time, Onyame, the Abosom and my Nsamanfo were preparing me for the death of my father. As I look back over the past three years, I am amazed at the sequence of events that have transpired and how everything has come together and has led me to this point. After losing my father, I was comforted to know that our relationship would not end with his untimely death but would continue to grow by me practicing and embracing Akan culture. I cannot imagine being able to cope with the lost of a parent without having the comfort of knowing that my father would continue to live on in the spirit world and would protect and guide me as he did when he was on this Earth.

In Akan culture, it is believed that life does not end with death but that the person only dies physically and that the spirits lives on. Akans believe that the soul goes back to Almighty God and that the spirit then makes the journey to the land of the Nsamanfo or Ancestors. As Nana Kyerewaa states in her book, Akan Protocol, "death is a very important rite of passage. It is a time for celebration, that this person has completed his work on Earth. It is believed that the departed is leaving this world to continue his work in the spirit world. It is believed that the departed is now in a better position to help the family members."

Akans hold the Ancestors in high regard. The Ancestors have a special place within the Akan spiritual system. They are commonly referred to as the Nsamanfo or Old or Ancient People. Akans do not worship the Ancestors, for worship is reserved only for the Supreme Being. Akans honor or revere the Ancestors. They are feared, loved and respected because they are in close contact with Almighty God. They also hold the family traditions and ensure that the family adheres to protocol. For example, the Nsamanfo would be that inner voice that warns you of danger or that divine force that continually open doors for you in order for you to be prosperous. They are believed to be everywhere, forever watching and protecting us. Thus, they are to be honored and appeased.

Due to their special place in the Akan spiritual system, there are several festivals, celebrations, and sacred days within this system held specifically in their honor. It is through these practices that those who embrace the culture are able to make a stronger connection with their Ancestors. Akwasidae is one such sacred day held in honor of the Nsamanfo. Akwasidae is a high holiday that is held every 40-42 days and always falls on a Sunday. As previously mentioned, it is a day set aside to acknowledge our personal and community ancestors. There are either eight or nine Akwasidae festivals in each year.

Akwasidaes are huge celebrations in the Akan community. It is a time for high celebration and a time of reflection for all of the blessings and guidance given by the Abosom and Nsamanfo. The traditional Akan community often has special events to commemorate Akwasidae such as Akoms. Akom is the traditional worship service where there is drumming of the ancient drum rhythms, singing of the ancient songs in the language of the Ancestors and dancing of the sacred Akom dances. In addition, it is customary to fix and share Eto, the food of the Abosom and Nsamanfo, with those in attendance. Eto is made from yam and is garnished with hard-boiled eggs. There is also an ancestral altar in place for people to place a picture of their loved ones (no living person should be in the picture to be placed on the altar) along with gifts for the Ancestors such as their favorite fruit or favorite drink. Having an Akom is not the only way a person can celebrate Akwasidae.

Celebrating Akwasidae is a personal event that can be shared with members of your community, or a private celebration that can be held alone or with close friends and family members. You can honor your ancestors by fixing their favorite food, playing their favorite songs or gathering your close friends and family members for a dinner in their honor. You can each share stories about your Ancestors or you can sing songs that your Ancestors would enjoy. If possible, fix Eto to share with those gathered at this special occasion. Your celebration is whatever you want it to be, as long as it comes from your heart, your Ancestors will acknowledge your efforts.

In addition to celebrating Akwasidae and sharing Eto with the Abosom, Nsamanfo, and your family members, you can also choose to establish an Ancestral altar to aid you in making a stronger connection with your Nsamanfo. After losing my father I did in fact grieve but it was the absence of him physically that I would miss the most, however I was fortified in knowing that I had a sacred place that I could continue to commune with him and my other Ancestors when I was feeling lost, lonely, happy or any other range of emotions. That is another one of the most powerful aspects of Akan culture.

Building an ancestral altar is a personal choice and a profound experience. I remember feeling anxious when I first learned about how to establish an Ancestral altar after taking the Introduction to Akan Culture and Spirituality classes offered by the AFSANI Institute. I went straight home and got a candle and a picture of my father. I prayed and spoke to my father. It was not until I received my Ancestral shrine from Nana Kyerewaa did my experience with my Nsamanfo go to another level. I felt overjoyed. It was one of the happiest moments in my life. I now have a private place just for my Ancestors and me. It is a sacred place where I can be myself and lay out all my burdens and express myself freely without prejudice. It is an exhilarating feeling to know that your Ancestors are rooting for you and are sincerely invested in your success and well being.

There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Akwasidae as long as it comes from your heart and you are open to receiving the blessing and assistance of the Abosom and Nsamanfo. However you choose to acknowledge your ancestors, know that you are opening yourself up to extreme blessings. Your Ancestors are your greatest supporters and are invested in the happiness of you and your family and their greatest desire is to see that the family traditions and values are respected and honored. I hope that this information will help you in taking that bold step in connecting with your Ancestors and unlocking the blessing that Onyame had in store for you since birth.

If you have further questions about how you can celebrate Akwasidae in your home or you want additional spiritual guidance, you may send an email to afsani@aol.com.

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