Adae Kese Festival facts for kids
The Adae Kese Festival, meaning "big resting place," is a very important and special celebration for the Ashanti people in Ghana. It happens during two main times: Awukudae and Akwadidae. This festival celebrates the great achievements of the Asante kingdom. It was first held after the Ashanti people won their independence in the Battle of Feyiase against the Denkyira.
The festival is also a time for a special cleaning ceremony called Odwira. This ceremony takes place at the burial places of their ancestors' spirits. The festival usually happens around the time of the yam harvest. Because of this, Europeans used to call it the "Yam custom." The Ashanti people celebrate this festival every two weeks, following their calendar which is based on a 42-day cycle and nine months. The Adae Kese Festival is mainly held to mark important achievements and milestones for the Ashanti kingdom. It is a day of rest, so no work is allowed.
Observance
The Adae Kese Festival is the biggest festival in the Akan calendar. It is the ninth Adae Festival, which happens every six weeks. Adae Kese marks the start of the New Year for some Akan groups, like the Akim, Akwamu, and Ashanti. It is also celebrated at the Manhyia Palace. During the festival, members of the royal family and other important people perform rituals. These rituals are meant to purify, or spiritually cleanse, the king's palace chambers.
History of the Festival
This festival became very important between 1697 and 1699. This was after the Ashanti people gained their independence in the Battle of Feyiase against the Denkyira. The festival was then celebrated after the famous Golden Stool (the Ashanti throne) was established in 1700.
The Adae Kese Festival marks important moments in the history of the Ashanti Kingdom. It was a time to honor the remains of past kings. These remains were kept in a special burial place called a mausoleum in Bantama, a royal area near Kumasi. Adae Kese helped connect the living people with their ancestors' spirits. It created a strong sense of faith and togetherness.
In the past, this festival involved many offerings, including animals. The main festival used to be held first at Hemmaa, near the king's palace. This was close to the ancestral shrine of the kings. The second, and more important, part of the festival happened at Bantama. Bantama was the last burial place for the Asante kings. When the festival was announced by drums, some people would hide. This was because they feared being chosen for certain rituals. Sheep were also offered as part of the ceremonies. While some parts of these old rituals are debated today, many African societies saw these rites as a way to "reunite the living and the dead."
Traditions and Celebrations
The Adae Kese Festival follows many of the same traditions as the regular Adae Festival. However, a key difference is that the chief carries a sheep to offer to the Stool. The Odwira purification ceremony is also part of Adae Kese. This happens at the burial shrines of the ancestors.
The festival usually takes place during the yam harvest season. It is celebrated at this time to thank the gods and ancestors for a good harvest. It is also when the new yam crop is first introduced.
Every five years, the Adae Kese Festival is hosted by the main ruler of the Asante people. This grand event takes place in the capital city of Kumasi, in Asanteman. It lasts for two weeks. This is a formal state celebration that brings together many villages and towns. People from all parts of Ashanti life come together to celebrate. The word Odwira means "to purify."
The Asantehene, who is the ruler of Kumasi, holds a colorful durbar (a public ceremony) of chiefs and their queens. They all dress in their full royal clothes. Dancing to the beat of drums is a big part of the celebration. The festival is also a time when people show their trust and support for the current king of the Ashanti. Some deserving people are given awards during this event. The king also holds a very private celebration inside his palace with only certain members of the royal family and other officials.
