CIRCUMCISSION

Claretian community performing during PCJ Cultural Day 2017

This is one of the most important rites of passage that are carried out among the Luhya. It is a transition from childhood to adulthood. The young man has to show his courage and readiness to be a man in the tribe by undergoing the pain of the sharp knife. There several processes followed before the circumcision day.

Firstly, the young man moves in the whole village in company of other people beating some metals on his hand. This is to inform them that soon he will be circumcised. During this movement, songs are sung accompanied by dances. This takes three to four days if not a week because he has to inform even he relatives apart from the neighbors.

Moreover, after availing the message all over, he is now taken to the uncle’s place. While there, the uncle will give him morale and advise him not to fear when the time comes. Consequently, he will slaughter a bull for him and tie the intestine of the bull around the young man’s neck. The people accompanying the initiate will eat and drink before leaving the place.

Furthermore, on the night before circumcision day, dances will take place as the boys beat the metals on his hand. Then very early in the morning, people will accompany him to the rivers. There he will dive in the cold water. That water will numb his body. Soil will be applied on his body before they leave. Immediately they arrive at home the boy will be directed to where he is supposed to stand. He will showcase his courage by standing still until the knife goes through his foreskin. Everybody around together with the parents will shout and rejoice for the boy has finally proved himself as man. Presents will be offered to him before he is taken in the house for treatment. 

  

                                                                                                                    By Raphael Juma (Claretian Community)