Libations held to combat civil unrest

By Grace Hutson

Hundreds of people had gathered at the Square of the Revolution to stand in solidarity for justice for Joel and Isaiah Henry on Tuesday and Wednesday. With right fists raised high during the scorching heat they chanted “No justice, no peace” in unison.

The high noon sun beamed down on picketers attired in all black outfits, some wailing in distress over the current chaos that plagued the country since the two cousins were slaughtered aback Cotton Tree Village West Coast Berbice. The chanting and war cries at the forefront of the protest concealed a small group of five marching around a small white circle drawn directly beneath the 1763 Monument. This group was performing a Libation ritual.

Curious onlookers snapped photographs and took videos but most were skeptical about getting close or interrupting to ask questions about the ritual. Among the five was the organiser and a follower of the Ifa Yoruba Religion, Godlyn Lyte who gave Village Voice an exclusive on the custom and procedure of the Libation.

“From what I have come to know, Libations are primarily to honour the fallen ones, their souls and family members….and it’s the use of natural elements that we use in everyday life to honour these things.” She correlated the practice to the popular phrase “Pouring one out for the homies” Where people usually pour an alcoholic beverage on the ground in the memory of a lost loved on or friend. However, in the ceremonial aspect you use every day elements of nature to bring peace to the deceased and the ones in mourning.

Research has shown that Libations which originated in the upper Nile Valley in Central Africa, linguistically stemmed from Hieroglyphs which signify “To cool through water” and “To humble one’s self”. At the beginning of the ritual, Lyte used her right hand to drizzle some mixed water on the participants before they trotted around the circle. She explained that the components of the water were rain water (the purest kind) and Florida water (which is a combination of perfume, sprays and soap forms) for cleansing and purifying the intent of a person or space. Lyte then sprinkled the waters on the ground around the circle which is a parallel to the ancient legend of a sun divinity and his daughter who were pleased with offerings of alcoholic beverages other liquids poured on the ground and subsequently stopped the pain and bloodshed of that time.

On the other hand, the Christian participants of the protest were provoked by this ceremony performed at the Black Lives Matter protest. Lyte explained that there’s a misconception that every aspect of African Religion is evil and devilish. “The things with any spiritual practice whether it be Hindu culture and religion, and what the Pandit does, whether it be Catholic Culture and what happens in Santeria the intention behind it is what makes it what it is. If you have the intention of causing harm and looking forward to something negative, then that’s what it is.” She said.

Likewise, around the circle of the Libation where participants were encouraged to say whatever prayer or message that is in their heart, lay components of nature. The pink flowers in the center were a substitute for red and represented mourning; the soil represented earth for grounding, stability and strength, fire to light the way and a guard, sage for air purification and presence of spirts and the coconuts which were specific to the situation.

Like all other religions who acknowledge the presence of the supernatural, African religion does the same. Lyte emphasised the importance of maintaining balance in the cosmos and respect for the living and dead during a time where people are aimlessly chanting “No justice, No peace” with no prediction of the repercussions. Adorned with White, Red and black attire for a pure and peaceful resolution, the blood that was spilt and for mourning respectively; She asked for guidance at a time where pain and anger are “blinding many of us.” “More Libations done across Guyana might be a solution to foster peace and harmony among our people and end the bloodshed and race wars. People from any ethnic background or religion are allowed to organize and participate in it following the guidelines and prayers of their hearts,” Lyte explained.