The Ashantis have a long and proud history, with a kingdom that’s been a force for centuries. One of the key elements rooted in its rich history and customs is the Akwasidae Festival.
The Akwasidae Festival is one of the most revered traditional celebrations among the Ashanti people of Ghana. It is a way to keep history alive, and to pass down the stories and traditions that make them who they are.
It’s a moment to look back and appreciate the strength and resilience of their past rulers. Not only that, this festival serves as a commemoration of ancestors and a symbol of cultural pride. An important event that strengthens communal ties, honors past rulers, and reaffirms the spiritual and political authority of the Asantehene (King of the Ashanti).
Today, let’s get into the history of the Akwasidae Festival, its observance, and its cultural significance.
The History of the Akwasidae Festival
The history of the Akwasidae Festival dates back to the early days of the Ashanti Kingdom. The festival is an integral part of the Adae Festival cycle, which was established to honor the spirits of departed ancestors and recognize their continued influence in the lives of the living.
The Ashanti believe that their ancestors act as intermediaries between the physical world and the spiritual realm, and Akwasidae provides an opportunity to express gratitude to them.
The festival is directly linked to the Golden Stool, the sacred symbol of Ashanti unity and authority. According to tradition, the Golden Stool was commanded from the heavens by Okomfo Anokye, a legendary priest and advisor to the first Asantehene, King Osei Tutu.
The stool represents the soul of the Ashanti people, and Akwasidae is an occasion to renew the people’s connection with their ancestors through the stool.
Observance and Celebration of the Akwasidae Festival
Akwasidae is celebrated once every six weeks on a Sunday, following the Ashanti calendar, which is divided into nine cycles of approximately six weeks each.
The festival occurs on the final Sunday of each cycle, with a preceding ritual Friday known as “Fofie,” marking the countdown to Akwasidae.
There are a total of nine Akwasidae festivals in a year, with the last and grandest one being the Adae Kese, which is particularly significant and celebrated on a larger scale.
During the festival, the Asantehene presides over a durbar at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. This grand event draws chiefs, elders, and citizens from across the Ashanti region and beyond.
The festival is marked by traditional drumming, dancing, and singing, as well as the display of the Golden Stool, which is rarely seen by the public. The king, adorned in elaborate gold regalia, sits in state as subjects pay homage, renewing their allegiance to the Ashanti Kingdom.
A key aspect of the celebration is ancestral veneration. The Asantehene visits the Bantama Mausoleum, where he pays respect to the stools and skeletal remains of past rulers. This is a crucial ritual, as it reinforces the connection between the living and the spirits of departed leaders.
Cultural Significance of the Akwasidae Festival
The Akwasidae Festival holds immense cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. It serves as a reminder of the Ashanti people’s resilience, unity, and adherence to tradition. Some of its key cultural functions include: The festival Honors Ancestors, underscores the belief in ancestral spirits whilst acknowledging their role in protecting and guiding the Ashanti people.
Furthermore, Akwasidae is known for Renewing Political Authority, reaffirming the legitimacy of the Asantehene and other traditional rulers, ensuring continued loyalty among their subjects.
In addition to that, the event ensures Social Cohesion: fosters a sense of community, and brings together people from various backgrounds to celebrate their shared heritage.
We cannot ignore the Spiritual Cleansing aspect, where Ritual offerings, including food such as mashed yam (eto) with boiled eggs, are made to invoke blessings and protection for the people.
Nevertheless,The influx of visitors during the festival promotes tourism and trade, benefiting local businesses and artisans; thus boosting economic productivity.
While everything around us keeps changing, Akwasidae stays true. It’s like a bridge, connecting the old ways to right now. It makes sure that all the things the Ashanti hold dear – their values, their stories, the whole legacy of their kingdom – they don’t just disappear. They stay strong, passed down, and lived out, year after year. Akwasidae It’s a beautiful thing, really. As Ghana continues to evolve, the Akwasidae Festival remains a timeless tradition, ensuring that the values and legacy of the Ashanti Kingdom endure for generations to come.
