‘A ceremony to welcome home the spirit of the dead.’
For the Shona people family duties do not end when one dies. Ancestors are expected to provide protection, help resolve issues, and avenge our deaths if they were unjust, ‘Leaving the physical body allows the spirit to hear and see’.
The Ceremony is conducted a year after the burial. The deceased, whose spirit is said to be wandering in the bush after death without regulated ties to its kin; ‘Kurova Guva’ is performed to call the spirit of the deceased back from this ambiguous position.
Transforming it into a recognized ‘Mudzimu ancestor’. This is done through Music and Musical performances where song is used to summon the spirit of the deceased and carry it home.
The ceremony often begins with prayers and invocations led by a spiritual leader or elder. This individual may call upon the ancestors, asking for their presence and guidance during the ceremony.
During this time, participants may also have personal prayers, expressing their grief and seeking comfort from the ancestors. The act of prayer is an important part of the ceremony, as it strengthens the connection between the living and the spiritual world.
Then, family and community members present offerings to the deceased. These offerings can be food items, beverages, traditional items, and symbolic objects that were meaningful to the deceased during their lifetime.
An Animal Sacrifice must also be done. The act of offerings is a way to honour the deceased and ensure that they are provided for in the afterlife.
After giving offerings, people would often share stories and memories of the deceased. This aspect allows the community to express their love and appreciation for the deceased.
The most significant aspect of the ‘Kurova Guva’ is the symbolic act of ‘bringing back the spirit’. This ritual is to ensure that the wondering spirit is properly guided to the spiritual realm and that they can take their rightful place among the ancestors.
After the main rituals have been completed, the ‘Kurova Guva’ ceremony often culminates in a communal feast. This feast serves as a celebration of life and a way for the community to come together in solidarity.
