To the Bottom of the Heap: Decoding Symbols of Initiation Rituals in the Lunda Traditional Society

Dr. Sylvester Mutunda
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Dr. Sylvester Mutunda: Department of Literature and Languages. The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2020, vol. 4, issue 10, 08-14

Abstract: The Lunda initiation ritual is examined against the theoretical background of Victor Turner’s adaptation (1967, 1968, 1969, 1974) of Arnold van Gennep’s model (1960), according to which every rite of passage is consisting of three stages: separation; liminality, a state of being “betwixt and between†; and aggregation, the phase of re-admission and return to society with a new, transformed status. The main features of Lunda rites of passages and the sequences characterizing them are outlined. The paper then decodes and discusses the meanings of and values of male and female puberty rites symbols. It is suggested that considering their significance and values, the performance and the ritual celebration conducted during the initiation period are of great importance in the Lunda day to day lives.

Date: 2020
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