In many communities, the transition to the teenage years represents an important shift from childhood to the beginnings of adulthood.
For the first time in Trinidad and Tobago, this transition was marked by an Orisha influenced ceremony, conceptualised and made possible through the efforts of cultural icon Eintou Pearl Springer.
Eintou's granddaughter Shanya turns thirteen this week. To mark this event, a simple but extremely moving Orisha ceremony was held on the weekend, officiated by Orisha Elder Olubiire Oluibyo, affectionately known as T. Ekere. Elder Olubiire who is resident in Tobago, journeyed to Trinidad specially for the occasion.
Spiritual invocations, offerings and words of advice were given by some of the women of influence in Shanya's life Osungowuwa, Eintou Pearl Springer, Attillah Springer, her Godmother and Awo Ifa Sayo Dara E. Healy, her aunt. Shanya's mother Efuntola played a significant role in presenting Shanya to the other women gathered after her ritual cleansing.
Awo Afuwope, Rawle Gibbons, representing the male energy and therefore the balance for the ceremony, spoke of the importance of tradition and ritual in the lives of those of African heritage. He blessed Shanya and asked for everything positive for her.
The gathered family and friends shared a meal while waiting for Shanya to have her ritual bath and change out of her white clothing. She spoke briefly to those gathered, promising to work hard at meeting the expectations of the Elders, her family and friends.
Chibale provided their usual excellent drumming accompaniment!
Contact us for further information and to purchase your own copies of Orisha influenced ‘Coming of Age' rituals by Eintou Pearl Springer.
Stay with us on our journey …
