Dzonu... In Ewe means.. "To keep watch over".. "To protect over" or "Dzònú" (a thing which has been made in fire) So the beads, the cross , the cowries, the Rosary chain etc are all worn to keep you protected by that spiritual energy/entities you are initiated into ... Non of these is Evil...
In Ewe culture, as in many African cultures, beads play a significant role in funeral rites and mourning practices. Funeral beads are specifically chosen for their colors, materials, and meanings, reflecting the solemnity of the occasion and the respect for the deceased.
Beads are not infused with any spiritual power nor anything to be initiated into unless you yourself or someone purposefully seek to conjure such spirits into your beads.
The function of beads in our culture:
1) Beauty/decoration (à tsiÉ”̃ɖónú)
2) To mark a significant event / for commemoration. (One may be given a special bead for and achievement/marriage/childbirth, etc)
All beads are not initiated into spirits.
Which power or protection is greater than that of Mawugã? All power and authorities are under His feet. No need to go and initiate your beads into any spirit.
Elabena Mawugã e su na mÕ•••> Ye-su••••> eya e su na mÃ. GbÉ”gbÉ” bubuaÉ–eke me hiãmà o.
Àkpé.
Here are some key aspects of funeral beads among the Ewe people:
Color Significance
Dark Colors: Funeral beads are often dark in color, such as black, deep blue, or muted shades. These colors symbolize mourning, grief, and respect for the deceased.
Contrast with Celebratory Colors: Unlike the vibrant colors used in celebrations or joyful events, funeral beads are designed to convey the somber nature of the occasion.
Material and Craftsmanship
Traditional Materials: Funeral beads may be made from various materials, including glass, clay, bone, or wood. The choice of material can also carry significance, with some materials associated with ancestral connections or spiritual meanings.
Artisan Craftsmanship: The beads are often handmade by skilled artisans, ensuring that they embody the cultural artistry of the Ewe people. This craftsmanship adds to their value and meaning.
Symbolic Meaning
Connection to Ancestors: Funeral beads may symbolize the connection between the living and the ancestors. Wearing them serves as a reminder of the deceased's presence and the continuation of their legacy.
Protection and Guidance: Some funeral beads are believed to provide protection for the living and guide the spirit of the deceased to the afterlife, ensuring they find peace.
Ritual Use
Worn During Mourning: Family members and close friends of the deceased often wear these beads during the mourning period and at the funeral ceremony. The act of wearing them serves as a visual representation of their grief and respect.
Specific Ceremonies: Funeral beads may also be incorporated into specific rituals, such as libations, prayers, or offerings made to honor the deceased.
Communal Participation
Collective Mourning: In Ewe culture, mourning is often a communal activity. During funerals, community members may also wear similar funeral beads to show solidarity with the grieving family and participate in the collective mourning process.
Tradition and Solidarity: The use of funeral beads reinforces social bonds and communal identity, highlighting the shared values of respect and remembrance within the community.
Rites of Passage
Lifecycle Symbolism: The use of funeral beads is part of the broader lifecycle symbolism in Ewe culture, marking the transition from life to death. This underscores the importance of honoring those who have passed as a way of acknowledging their contributions and maintaining cultural continuity.
Funeral Beads
Funeral beads among the Ewe people hold deep significance, reflecting the cultural values of respect, remembrance, and connection to ancestry. They serve not only as adornments but also as powerful symbols of grief, community solidarity, and spiritual belief, ensuring that the memory of the deceased is honored and preserved within the cultural framework.
In Ewe culture, various types of funeral beads are used, each with its unique significance and meaning. These beads are chosen based on their materials, colors, and cultural associations. Here are some common types of funeral beads used by the Ewe people:
Black Glass Beads
Description: These beads are typically deep black or dark in color and are among the most commonly used funeral beads.
Significance: Black is universally associated with mourning and grief, making these beads a poignant symbol of respect for the deceased.
Clay Beads
Description: Made from locally sourced clay, these beads can vary in color and are often handmade. They can also be painted or decorated.
Significance: Clay beads connect to the earth, symbolizing the cycle of life and death, and are often associated with ancestral ties.
Bone Beads
Description: Crafted from animal bones, these beads may have intricate designs and are sometimes polished for a smooth finish.
Significance: Bone is a powerful symbol of life and death, representing the connection to ancestors and the spirit world.
Wood Beads
Description: Wooden beads can be carved into various shapes and sizes, often reflecting the artistry of the craftsman.
Significance: Wood represents life and growth, connecting the living to the natural world and the cycle of existence.
Coral Beads
Description: Coral beads are valued for their rich colors, often red or orange, and are sometimes used sparingly in funeral contexts.
Significance: Coral can symbolize vitality and is believed to offer protection for the deceased during their journey to the afterlife.
Chevron Beads
Description: These are colorful glass beads featuring a distinctive zigzag pattern. Although they are often used for decorative purposes, they may also appear in mourning attire.
Significance: Chevron beads can represent wealth and status, acknowledging the deceased's significance within the community.
Power Beads
Description: Often made of various materials, these beads are thought to possess protective or spiritual powers.
Significance: They may be worn during funerals to provide spiritual guidance and protection for the deceased and the mourners.
Seed Beads
Description: Small, round beads often made from glass or plastic, these beads are sometimes used to create intricate patterns in funeral jewelry.
Significance: Their small size allows for elaborate designs that symbolize the interconnectedness of life and the continuity of memory.
Aggry Beads
Description: These are traditional beads that come in various colors and are often made from clay or glass. They may have historical significance and are sometimes worn during funerals.
Significance: Aggry beads are believed to carry spiritual energy and are associated with ancestral connections.
Conclusion
Each type of funeral bead used by the Ewe people carries its unique meaning, reflecting the values, beliefs, and cultural practices surrounding death and mourning. These beads serve as powerful symbols of respect, remembrance, and connection to the spiritual realm, reinforcing the importance of honoring the deceased and their legacy within the community.
