Tumbuka mythology

The Tumbuka mythology includes the myths and religious ideas of the Tumbuka, an ethnic group in the north of Malawi and eastern Zambia, which express themselves in possession ceremonies around the Vimbuza ghost, an ancestor cult and stories about the origin of the community. World of gods and cults come from African beliefs, but also play a role in the Christianized parts of society.

Your high God is Chiuta (sometimes Chandu ), the almighty, omniscient and self-created creator of life, at the same time god of rain and fertility (see African cosmogony ). He is caught and usually does not intervene in the daily life. Chiuta is circumscribed with Uta wa Leza, "the great arc of God" ( sky, rain or hunting bow ). In the neighboring Chewa say the same traditional high god Chauta.

Tumbuka have like nearly all Bantu a variety of myths that represent their cultural heritage. These myths are told at night fires, often accompanied by drums and chanting in call - and-answer form, to entertain the children and to familiarize them with the values ​​of the group. Even if the man is Chiuta can not approach directly, Chiuta be able to connect. Thus, in the thunder of a storm is the question of his creatures, whether they are still all there to listen. This is the call, and the answer must be " yes " loudly, best should also be hit with tappets on flour mashed troughs.

Many myths have faded by contact with Western cultures. Nevertheless, many survive today, because myths hand down as vidokoni ( legends) a moral context.

In the myths of the Tumbuka three animals are mentioned far more frequently than any other: Fu-Lu ( turtle), Kalulu (hare ) and chimbwe ( hyena ). Fu-Lu is shown as the wisest animal, chimbwe as crooks and Kalulu as clever demagogue who can only be beaten by Fu-Lu.