March 28, 2024

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Origin of Circumcision Rite Among The Bukusu Community

The circumcision rite among the Babukusu is among the most treasured rite. It initiates a male individual into adulthood. The rite takes place every even year and teenagers above fifteen years old participate in the activity. In respect for celebration, the initiates are pampered with a big festivity with the whole community. It is, therefore, a rite that is important for the unity of the community. It involves the coming together of every member of the society.

The origin of the rite revolves around one of the most celebrated legends of the Babukusu, known as Mango. According to Pius Wekesa Makhama (an orator also an elder), Mango is believed to be the man behind circumcision rite. This rite is still held up to standard to date. He is believed to have confronted the cut of the knife in the year 1800.

Sources argue that Mango merely rekindled the rite and didn’t start it. The Babukusus who claim to trace their blood ties to the Hebrews. Their belief is that circumcision started with their Great grandfathers known as Samba Sambaranengunyi. Additionally, he is said to be Abraham the Hebrew. Unfortunately, this rite was stopped because of an infection that occured. The infection is believed to have been measles.

Mango of the Bameme clan revived the rite after killing a snake called Yabebe. The snake had killed so many people and livestock became too much nuisance to the society.

Sioyayo a song that is sung when someone is being taken for the cut, is associated with the sounds produced by hyenas. It is believed that when Mango had killed the big snake the hyena was producing the sound in amazement of what Mango had done.

Details And Beliefs Behind Circumcision In Bukusu

Kikuyu Circumcision

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