The 7th & Final Day of Kwamzaa - IMANI (a story by Eshu Bumpus)

"Damon and Pythias"

(While not an African folktale, it has always been one of my favorite stories, and it demonstrates the principle very well. - Eshu Bumpus http://eshu.folktales.net/)

There was once a king who was thought of as a tyrant. His people hated him. He really wasn't such a bad person, but he had very bad advisors, and they did cruel things in his name. They made him believe that he couldn't trust the people. So since he never listened to the people, he never found out what his advisors were doing. Whether he was a bad person or not, he was a bad king.

In the town near the king's castle, there was a group of rebels. They decided that the only way to change things was to get rid of this king. They thought that if they killed the king, his death would be a warning to the next king. So they held a meeting to see who would volunteer to assassinate the king.

Among these rebels was a young man named Pythias. He said that he would volunteer, but that he had to wait for two days, just until his sister was married. Their father was dead and he was the only one who could perform the ceremony so that she could be properly married.

They told him that they couldn't wait for two days, because the king was going to be out of the castle that following day on a hunting trip, and it would be the only chance to get to him. So finally, Pythias agreed to do it.

He was hiding in the forest the next morning with bow and arrow ready, but someone saw him and warned the king before he got a chance to shoot. Pythias was captured and brought before the king. The king's advisor suggested that they bring Pythias to the town center, and execute him in front of everybody as an example of what would happen to rebels.

Pythias did not regret what he had done. And he accepted his fate, but he pleaded with the king to give him one day to take care of his family business and see his sister properly married.

The king laughed and said, "I will let you go if someone else is willing to take your place and die in your place. if you fail to return."

Now Pythias had a best friend named Damon. Even though Damon was not a rebel, he was a true friend to Pythias. There was nothing they wouldn't do for each other. So Pythias called out to the crowd and asked for someone to find Damon.

When Damon was brought there, the king asked if he was willing to take Pythias' place on the gallows, until he returned. Much to the amazement of the king, Damon agreed.

The king couldn't believe his ears. But since he had made a promise, he had to keep his word. Pythias was released and Damon was chained in his place.
Pythias rode as fast as he could, gathered his family together and performed the wedding ceremony. He took care of all his business and was heading back to the town center, when his horse fell and broke its leg. Pythias still had miles to go and he was on foot.

Meanwhile, the king, who never believed that Pythias would come back, was telling Damon what a fool he was.

"I have never seen anyone so foolish in all my life!" the king said, "He won't come back."

"You have never seen true friendship." Damon answered.

The king was sure that no man would voluntarily come back to his own execution. But Damon was equally sure that his friend would not leave him to die.

Pythias had until midday to return. If he was not back by then, Damon would be killed. Pythias was running until he could hardly breathe, but he didn't slow down. Finally, he saw a man riding by and
begged him for a ride.

"Please!" he pleaded, "I must return to the town center or my best friend will be executed in my place."

Pythias quickly told the man his story and the answered, "It is quite a story you tell. I would never forgive myself if I didn't see it through to the end."
Pythias jumped onto the back of the man's horse and they raced to the town center just as the rope was being put around Damon's neck.

"Wait!" shouted Pythias, "I am here!" The king was shocked!

"I told you he would return." said Damon proudly.

"In all my life I have never seen such friendship," said the king, "And now that I have seen it, I could never destroy it. I will let Pythias go free on the condition that you accept me as a friend as well."

Damon and Pythias and the king became the best of friends. And with true friends at his side, the king began to see what bad advice he had been taking all those years. He sent away his former advisors and with the advice of Damon and Pythias, he became a just and fair king.

IMANI — Faith Read full post

The 6th day of Kwanzaa - KUUMBA (a story by Eshu Bumpus)

"Anansi Writes a Song" by Eshu Bumpus (http://eshu.folktales.net/)

A lion named Simba was ruler of a small kingdom called Korro. A traveling griot* came to his village to give a performance. He played the Kora and sang stories about great men and women and the deeds they'd done. He sang about things going on all across the wide world. The king and everyone around enjoyed the music very much.

When he was finished, the bard asked king Simba for a small token in exchange for his performance.

Simba went into a rage! "You dare ask me for a gift!? You should be honored to have me listen! You should give me a gift!"

Simba was so angry that he ordered his servants to give the griot fifty lashes.

The griot returned home and told his friends what happened to him at King Simba's court. They were shocked and angry to hear of the meanness of the king.

Anansi was among the friends of this griot and he decided to write a song to let everyone know how they felt about Simba.

It went like this.

Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
He is fat and very flabby.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
He's a fool whose mane is shabby.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
his face is ugly, his teeth are few. Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
'
He wrote the song with a very catchy tune and people all over the countryside began to sing it. Women sang it while they were cleaning clothes at the river. Children sang it during their games. Men sang it while digging yams. It was heard at dances and festivals. Soon it was known all over Africa.

When the king heard the song, he sent for the griot he had mistreated and asked him, "Who has written this song about me?"

"It was Anansi who wrote the song, but everyone sings it," responded the griot.

"I will give you much money if you tell him to stop the song." Simba promised.

But the griot refused saying, " A thing once it is done cannot be undone. You did not have to have me beaten, but you did. And now you cannot undo it. Anansi did not have to write the song, but he did. Now the song is alive among the people. It cannot be taken back."

Anansi's song about Simba is still sung to this day.

Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
He is fat and very flabby.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
He's a fool whose mane is shabby.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
his face is ugly, his teeth are few.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro.

*Griot (Pronounced Gree-Oh) is a name for the traditional Storyteller and Historian in parts of West Africa.

KUUMBA — Creativity Read full post

The 5th day of Kwanzaa NIA (a story by Eshu Bumpus)

"The Name of the Tree" by Eshu Bumpus (http://eshu.folktales.net/)

Once there was a terrible drought in the land of the animals. A kindly king came from over the mountain and planted a special tree. He told them that this tree would bear fruit all year round in any kind of weather. All they had to do to get the fruit was to speak its name. The name of the tree was Oowungalema.

The animals thanked the kind old king and he returned to his own land, which was far over the mountain. The animals then sounded the Great Drum to call everyone for miles around.

When all were gathered at the tree, the lion asked Anansi to speak the name of the tree.

"I thought you were going to remember the name!" said Anansi

"I don't remember the name!" said the lion, "Someone must know it!"

They asked everyone who had been there when the old king planted the tree, but not one of them could remember the name of the tree. They decided to send someone to ask the king for the name. They were all very hungry, so they decided to send someone fast. They sent the hare.

The hare ran as fast as he could through villages, across the river, through the bush, over the mountain and straight to the court of the kindly old king. The king told him, "The name of the tree is Oowungalema."

The hare ran back, repeating the name to himself as he went along. On the way home, he stopped at the river to rest and take a drink. The water was nice and cool. It felt good after all that running. The hare splashed around for a while to cool himself off, then he got out of the water and started back to the tree.

When he got back, the animals all cheered. "Now we can have the fruit! " they shouted.

Hare went up to the tree to speak the name, "Oomagamoomoo, no, oobapadoopa, Noomooogamooga"

Try as he might, the hare just couldn't remember the name.

"We have to send someone else." Lion said at last.

So the springbok was sent. She ran all the way to the king over the mountain and tried to keep the name in her head all the way home, but coming through the forest, she tripped over a root and bumped her head. The name was lost again.
Next they sent Leopard, but on the way back he started chasing a monkey who was teasing him. He forgot the name as well.
Many others tried and failed until finally, the tortoise asked if she might go. Most of the animals laughed because the tortoise is so slow.
"Give her a chance!" Anansi said, "She may succeed where the rest of us have failed."
The tortoise went to her mother and asked, "What do you do if you must remember something very important?"
Her mother told her to keep repeating it no matter what happens. So the tortoise set out on her journey. When she reached the king over the mountain, he said, "The name of the tree is Oowungalema."

Tortoise kept repeating it over and over to herself all the way home. When the monkeys teased her in the forest, she only said, " Oowungalema."

When she passed by the river and the sound of the water made her thirsty, she looked at the water and said, "Oowungalema."
And when she got near her house and her children came running to her, she only said, "Oowungalema."

Finally, the tortoise came to the tree. All the other animals were anxiously waiting. The lion spoke, "Tortoise, please speak the name of the tree."

Tortoise said, "Oowungalema."

At last, the animals were able to eat the fruit. Everyone was grateful to the tortoise who kept to her purpose where every one else had failed.

NIA — Purpose Read full post

The 4th day of Kwanzaa - Ujamaa (a story by Eshu Bu,pus)

"The Feast" by Eshu Bumpus (http://eshu.folktales.net/)

There was a once chief who decided that he wanted to give a party for his entire kingdom. Everyone was invited. He would provide all the food and entertainment. The only thing he asked was that each family brings a gourd of wine. This would be poured into a huge pot from which all would be served.

All the villages were buzzing with excitement. People were deciding what to wear and wondering what dances and stories would be performed. It promised to be a fabulous party.

One farmer was talking with his wife as they were getting ready on the day of the party and said, "Why should we spend good money on a gourd full of wine for the king's party? Isn't this party supposed to be free?"

"But dear," said his wife, "All the king is asking for is one gourd of wine. Is that really asking so much?"

But the stingy farmer, thinking himself very clever replied, "Who will notice one gourd of water in a big pot full of wine?"

So the farmer filled his gourd with water instead of wine. When the people were all gathered waiting for the party to begin, the king called everyone together for a toast.

"Let every cup be filled," he shouted, "That we may drink to the future of our land! May this party be as fine as the wine we are about to drink!"

Everyone raised their cups in a cheer before they drank. The farmer then took a sip of his wine. But when he tasted it, he threw his cup down and shouted, "This is only water!"
All the others had the same complaint. It seems that the farmer was not the only one who had the idea to put water instead of wine into his gourd. They had all done it. So it was that all they had to drink at the party was water.

 The king was so disappointed, that he ended the party early.

UJAMAA — Cooperative Economics Read full post

The 3rd day of Kwanzaa - UJIMA (a story by Eshu Bumpus)

"The Great Drum" by Eshu Bumpus (http://eshu.folktales.net/)

The lion sent out a message for all the animals to come to a very special meeting.

Messengers went far and wide to spread the news of this meeting. As soon as the animals heard the message, they hurried right away to the council circle. It was about three weeks before they were all gathered. The lion was very disappointed.

"We have got to find a way to get everyone together more quickly!" shouted the lion.

Anansi had an idea. "What we need," he explained, "...is a great drum, one that can be heard all over the forest. When the great drum is sounded, everyone will know right away and come swiftly to meetings."

Everyone agreed that this was a fine idea. The animals were divided into groups, each group taking on a different part in the construction of the drum. The first group cut down a large tree.

The second group trimmed off all the branches. The next group hollowed out the tree.

Then sculptors worked to decorate the drum. They worked hard through many days. On their way home at the end of each day, they would sing;

Life is labor,

We are tired and hot,

 We work so hard,

 Because we work for our people.

Everyone worked except the monkey. While the others labored, he found a nice shady spot to hide and eat berries all day long.

When they were on their way back to the village, Monkey would join them as though he had been working with them all along.

Monkey sang:

Life is labor,

 I am tired and hot,

 I work so hard,

 Because I work for my people.

Anansi watched and knew exactly what Monkey was doing, but Anansi said nothing.

When the Great Drum was finished, it had to be brought to the council circle.

The problem was that the Drum was very heavy and no one wanted to carry it.

It was then that Anansi spoke up. "Since no one wants to carry the Great Drum and we have all worked so hard already, I suggest that the laziest person among us carry the Drum."

All the animals thought this was a good plan. Each of them looked around, trying to think who among them was laziest. Who hadn't they seen working? First one looked at Monkey, then another and soon all eyes rested on the monkey.

Monkey stepped out into the center of the circle and announced, "I just want to make one thing perfectly clear. I will not carry that drum!"

All the animals laughed. Anansi said, "No one mentioned your name, Monkey. All we said was that the laziest person should carry the Drum."

People were wondering to themselves, who was laziest among them. But the monkey did not have to wonder. He knew very well who was laziest. He came forward and made it clear when he spoke.

So it was agreed that the monkey had to carry the Great Drum to the council circle.

UJIMA — Collective Work and Responsibility Read full post

The 2nd day of Kwanzaa - KUJICHAGULIA (a story by Eshu Bumpus)

The 2nd day of Kwanzaa - KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination)

"The Three Tests" by Eshu Bumpus ( http://eshu.folktales.net/ )                 )

Once, long ago, three tigers came to Africa. They went to the country of the animals and made this terrible announcement.

"From now on, this land will be ruled by the Tigers. We are, after all, the strongest, fastest and wisest of all animals. Therefore, we are the only fit rulers." they claimed.

A little mouse spoke up from the crowd, " But we have a council where we make our decisions together, we don't need or want any ruler."

One of the tigers let out a roar so loud and fierce that the poor mouse started running and didn't stop until he was in the land of the humans. To this day, he lives in the houses of humans.

His cousin, the female field mouse, misses him terribly.

The other animals didn't like the idea much either, but they looked at those tigers' big claws and sharp teeth and were afraid to speak.

These tigers were even bigger than the lion. "We will collect taxes and we'll also change the name of this country. From now on, this will be Tigerland and you will call yourselves servants of the tigers.", they said.

Finally, Anansi spoke. "Great tigers, it is clear that you are strong, fast and wise, but just so that everyone will know for sure that you are stronger, faster and wiser than anyone else, let us have a contest.", Anansi suggested.

The tigers liked the idea, so Anansi continued. "Let us prepare ourselves, then tomorrow we will choose someone to compete against each of you."

So the tigers left and the animals held a private meeting to discuss what to do.

The next morning, the animals were ready. The tigers came to the council circle. The strongest tiger spoke first. "Who will compete against me?" he asked.

"I will." said the tiny voice of the field mouse. The tiger laughed until he cried. "This will not take long." he said.

"Who will race me?" roared the swiftest tiger. "I will." said the tortoise. "This is no contest at all!" shouted the tigers.

Hare told the third tiger, " I must bring you to the home of the owl. She is the wisest of all creatures." "We will see," said the tiger.

First was the contest of strength. The field mouse brought the tiger to a large clearing. They each stood at one edge of the clearing with one end of a rope. Between them was placed hundreds of big thorn bushes.

When she gave a signal of two short tugs on the rope, the tiger was to start pulling. The loser would get dragged across the thorns.

The tiger laughed at the little mouse and said that he was ready. She gave the signal, and the tiger began to pull.

What he didn't know was that behind the field mouse, standing in the forest was a great bull elephant holding onto the rope. So while the tiger pulled on one end, the elephant pulled on the other. The tiger got dragged all the way through the thorn bushes yelling, " Ouch! OOOCH! Ouch! Ouch!" all the way.

"If this is how strong the mice are, I would hate to see what the other animals can do!" he shouted.

Next was the race. The tortoise brought the fastest tiger to a five-mile stretch of road in the forest. At each mile marker, one of tortoise's cousins was hiding. (To the tiger they would all look alike.)

When the race began, Tiger went zooming away, leaving the tortoise in his dust. As he was coming to the first mile marker, the tiger was laughing to himself. "How could a tortoise think he could outrun me?" he said.

Just then, Tortoise came out from his hiding place behind the mile marker. "What took you so long, Mr. Tiger?" he asked politely.

Tiger was shocked. "How did you get here so fast?!" he screamed. Tortoise didn't answer. He just slowly plodded off toward the next marker.

The tiger zoomed past him and ran at top speed to the second mile-marker, only to find Tortoise sitting there waiting. "I really thought tigers were faster than this." he said, sounding very disappointed.

"I'll beat you yet!" shouted the tiger as he sped to the next marker.

At this third marker, Tortoise was sitting down playing a game of Mankala with Anansi and laughing about how easy the race was. Tiger couldn't believe his eyes.

At the fourth marker, Tortoise was asleep, snoring loudly. Tiger sped by him so fast that he left the tortoise spinning like a top.

Finally, tiger was racing toward the finish line. Tortoise was nowhere in sight. Tiger was running at full speed. Nothing could stop him now.

Yet, as he got closer to the line, he noticed a little round thing sitting there. It must be a rock he told himself. But as he got closer, he saw that little head and those four little legs and he knew. Tortoise was already there!

"It's impossible!" he screamed. But no matter how much he screamed, it didn't change the fact that Tortoise had won the race.

Now the hare was bringing the third tiger to the home of the wise old owl. But the hare kept complaining of stomach pains and said that he couldn't walk very well.

"Can't you get someone else to show me the way?" said the tiger angrily. "I'm the only one who knows the way," whispered Hare, "It's a secret."

Tiger was irritated. " Then you'll just have to ride on my back," he said.

They rode on for a little while, but the hare kept letting himself slide off the tiger's back, so they weren't making much progress. "If you bring me to my house, I can get my saddle." Hare suggested, "That way, I won't slip off."

So the tiger brought the hare home and let Hare put a saddle on him.

"And if you let me use these reins," Hare continued, "I can steer you left or right without talking so much. I have a sore throat you know." Tiger agreed.

Then the hare went into his house and came out wearing spurs and carrying a whip.

"Wait a minute!" said Tiger, "What's all that for?!"

"Oh I just wear these spurs for show." Hare said. " And the whip is so I can keep the flies off you while you're giving me a ride."

"Okay," said the tiger, "But be careful."

So they rode on, but not to the owl's home. They went right to the council circle. A

All the other animals were gathered there. When Hare came in sight of the other animals, he dug his spurs into the tiger's sides and snapped that whip against the tiger's backside and yelled "GITTY UP HORSEY!"

That tiger went jumping and howling through the crowd looking about as foolish as a fool can look.

All the animals laughed and laughed. The other tigers were so embarrassed that they pleaded with the hare to stop.

The hare got off the tiger's back and took his saddle and reins.

Those tigers agreed never to come back to Africa again. That's why, to this day, there are no tigers in the forests of Africa. And everyone got along fine in the land of animals with everyone as equals, no kings, no queens, no rulers.

KUJICHAGULIA — Self-Determination Read full post

The Fist Day of Kwanzaa - UMOJA (a story by Eshu Bumpus)

"Anansi and his Sons"

When Anansi's first son was born and Anansi and his wife, Aso were ready to name the child, the baby spoke up and said, "I have brought my own name with me. It is See Trouble." Their second son also announced his name in this way. He was Road Builder.

Each of his six sons in turn announced their names in this way. There was River Drinker, Game Skinner, Stone Thrower and Cushion.

Once, Anansi had to go on a long journey. On his trip, he found a big, bright, shiny ball. He was bringing it home, when he fell into the lake and was swallowed by a big fish.

Anansi decided right then that he would give the bright shiny object to whoever rescued him.

As time passed, and Anansi did not return home, his family became worried. See Trouble looked ahead to see Anansi inside the big fish. He told his brothers. Right away, Road Builder cleared a path through the forest for his brothers to follow.

When they got to the lake, it was the thirsty brother's turn.

River Drinker drank up all the water in the lake. There was the big fish at the bottom. Game skinner went right to work. He cut open that fish to let Anansi out. Anansi was still holding that bright, shiny object he had found.

Suddenly a giant bird flew down and grabbed Anansi. It took him way up into the sky. Stone Thrower grabbed a rock and threw it. He hit the bird just right to make it let go of Anansi. Down, down Anansi fell, but he didn't get hurt because Cushion put himself in the way. Anansi landed softly.

Anansi wanted to give the bright, shiny object to the son who had rescued him, but he couldn't decide who had done the most to help him.

He gave the bright, shiny thing to Nyame, who put it up in the sky until someone could figure out which son deserves it the most. It is still there in the sky. You can see it tonight.

UMOJA - Unity Read full post

Kwanzaa Song by Eshu Bumpus

These seven principles,
these seven principles,
are principles we'll follow,
from Kwanzaa to Kwanzaa.




Dear friends,

I am quite honored to share a song with you upon which my three now-grown children were raised. Each day of Kwanzaa, after eating a meal together and having our family discussion about the principle of that particular day, we sang this song. It was written by one of my siblings - Eshu. Both the lyrics and the link to the song itself appear below. Enjoy!

G. Djata Bumpus
*************************************
Kwanzaa Song

Unity,
Umoja means Unity.
Kujichagulia,
I know who I must be.
Ujima working hard,
showing responsibilty.
Ujamaa means to shareextended family.

chorus:
These seven principles,
these seven principles,
are principles we'll follow,
from Kwanzaa to Kwanzaa.

These seven principles,
these seven principles,
are principles we'll follow,
from Kwanzaa to Kwanzaa.

Nia is the purpose,
what we mean to each other.
Kuumba is the beauty
that we bring to one another.
Imani is believing
in our sisters and our brothers,
and learning from the teachings
of our fathers and our miothers.

chorus:
These seven principles,
these seven principles,
are principles we'll follow,
from Kwanzaa to Kwanzaa.

These seven principles,
these seven principles,
are principles we'll follow,
from Kwanzaa to Kwanzaa.
http://eshu.folktales.net/resources/kwanzaa/01_these_seven_principles-(eshu).mp3 Read full post

What is Kwanzaa?

Dear friends,

*The word “Kwanza” refers to the first fruits of harvest. Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga and members of his organization held the first Kwanza Celebration in the mid sixties. There were seven children in the group. They decided to change the spelling to Kwanzaa to give each child a special place in the ceremony. So if there is an official spelling it would be Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa is not a black Christmas. Rather, it is an African American holiday period that gives us a special time to reflect upon our personal, family, and community circumstances at the present, and our commitment to both maintain the worthiness of our cultural experience, while designing a vision for African Americans as a people to continue progressing, as it regards to many relationships in which human beings involved themselves, as we prepare for those who will follow us, as well as those who have yet to come.

While there is a small amount of symbolism through rituals, at least for me, my now grown children, as well as my siblings, family and community discussion is the most important part of honoring this special period. Gift-giving, on the other hand, is not an essential element of Kwanzaa. When it was originally celebrated, the idea was that any gifts that were to be given would be made by hand, as opposed to going to a department store and buying something. However, it was the experience in my household, while raising my children that we took care of all the gift-giving on Christmas Day. That way, with Kwanzaa always starting on December 26, we could spend our total focus on Nguzo Saba or The Seven Principles.

The Bumpus family
*******************************************

Compiled by Eshu Bumpus below:
http://eshu.folktales.net/resources/kwanzaa/kwanzaa_toc.pdf Read full post