The last few weeks of December are often hectic and sometimes stressful for many people. Ending the year on a high note and starting the new one well is becoming a major concern. To this end, each of us provides the necessary means to achieve our goals. In Benin, the preparations do not only announce the colors of a popular or family celebration but real moments of fervor dedicated to God and the spirits of the ancestors.
Being spiritually ready before starting a new year is an ancestral culture in Africa. It lasts for centuries and is perpetuated despite colonization. Some countries distinguish themselves from others by displaying their cultural identities despite the importation and imposition of foreign cultures in various forms that hide the perverse side of globalization. Benin is among those countries that are making the effort to hold on and assert themselves even if the road ahead seems so long.
What do they actually do?
A few days before the New Year celebrations, the Fais consulted in Benin. It is the voice of destiny that shows the way to the people who continue to use this science that represents a cultural heritage dating back centuries. It is in fact, the Tofa. An unprecedented and historic event that brings together a college of Bokonnon (priests of Fa) committed to perpetuating a legacy.
The objective of this step is to know the situation of the new year, what it reserves for all Beninese citizens, on all levels. This event dates back several centuries because the “Tofa“ is a ritual initiated in 1715 by King Dossou Agadja, “the conqueror” (1673-1740). After he came to the throne a drought hit the kingdom and it was necessary to ward off the spell. Thus, on November 15, 1715, under the sign Toulagbogli, the Faasked for sacrifices to the deity Hêviosso (god of thunder). The sacrifices are made, the kingdom was watered automatically by the rain. It is for this reason that the Tofawas instituted since that time to inquire at each eve of the end of the year of the news of the state of the kingdom in order to ward off the possible bad spells”.
This year’s consultation was held on Saturday, December 4 in Abomey-Calavi. The year 2022 is placed under theFa-Dù (sign) “Wlin-Ko Tchè”. In summary, this main sign announces financial stability and great agricultural harvests. However, the Fa advises against mockery, abortion, slander and political rivalry. Vɔ (sacrifices) are prescribed for protections and to ward off evil spells.
Fa as an instrument of anticipation and preservation of peace in Benin.
Thanks to this science, Benin, through its knowledgeable people, is able to guide the people and their leaders on the attitudes and measures to take to preserve peace. For example, the Fa reveals under the main sign of WLIN-KO-CHÈ that ” people are victims of slander and malice because of their governance. Measures must therefore be taken to enable leaders to govern the country better. He invites the government by this sign to strengthen its security measures to ensure the protection of citizens because under the Secondary Sign, Foutoula, the Fa announces robberies and burglaries in 2022, deaths by fire, rivalries for positions of responsibility. On the sanitary level, an infant mortality is also announced. With this information the health system must be strengthened.
The issue of voluntary termination of pregnancies resurfaces as under the tertiary sign Ablawoli, the Fa prohibits abortion for women in 2022 in order to avoid any fatality related to this. The Fa therefore asks to take care of the mothers to receive their blessings in 2022. The family unit is therefore recommended.
Fa as a preventive tool
Several diseases are likely to occur but the Fa plans to intervene as needed. The emergency is therefore announced to ensure that each citizen pays attention to what he or she will do with his or her health in 2022. Sicknesses such as infectious pathologies with skin rashes, abdominal pathologies including surgical emergencies, sexual impotence, male and female genital diseases and diseases of the lower digestive tract (cysts, fibroids, myomas, prostate, hemorrhoidal …), pathologies with dermal burns (Allergic syndromes (Lyell…), burns by fire are announced by the oracle
Consultation and solicitation of divinities.
To solve the various problems revealed by the Tofa, divinities will be called upon through sacrifices. These are among others: Lègba de Dako at Houawé, Lissa at Ouidah, Minonnan at Calavi Tôkpa, Sakpata of Michaï, Tôhôssou of Ouémè, Houéda Dangbé of Ouidah (snake divinity), Hêviosso (Thunder) of Sokôdji, Kôlimègou of Dègan, Lingbè (iron god), Gou of Koutago (iron god), Hoxo in Mono, Bokônon deceased who fought for peace (Koututô) etc
Note that the preparations are not limited to this event. Each family takes the same steps according to their religion or faith
Far from the spotlight
In the churches, Christians in complicity with their spiritual guides organize fasts, prayer sessions for deliverance and protection followed by masses of intentions and thanksgiving. In the convent, on the crossroads, by the sea, in the sacred forests, and other places of worship, the rituals of purification, protection, offerings to the divinities, are anchored in the practices of the end of years. All these steps give hope to start a new year in beauty without forgetting to pay attention to food insecurity and overflowing joys.
