Spirituality (3) Flashcards
What did the Xhosa practice, Religion or Spirituality?
The Xhosa people practiced spirituality more than they did religion. Spirituality was a way of life and was practiced in people’s day to day activities. Hence it was a large part of nature, which was believed to reflect Qama (God).
Why did the Xhosa maintain strong connections to their ancestors?
The Xhosa also believed that hidden presences governed their existence and gave meaning to their lives.
What did the ancestors serve as?
The ancestors of the Xhosa also served as mediators between the living and Qama. In this way, there was no distinction between the secular and the spiritual.
People instead distinguished between evil and good spirits. How did they react when something unfortunate happened?
Whatever misfortune or bad incident that occurred and that could not be explained was attributed to the evil realms.
Why did witchcraft exist?
Witchcraft existed because of the belief that evil spirits could be manipulated against the living.
How were the good spirits respected?
The good spirits, the ancestors, were respected by way of ceremony and tribute.
What were Diviners?
Diviners were like priests that assisted in the relations with ancestors.
