Homowo

To restore balance in their society, the Ga people sacrificed livestock, prayed and poured libations to pacify the gods or deities.

[4] An intriguing aspect of the Ga Homowo tradition is the dual celebrations that occur within the Damte Dsanwe community.

During his absence, the community, under the authority of the Priest of the Dantu Fetish, conducted the Homowo Harvest Custom, complete with the customary rituals.

[8] This period is when the Nmaadumo takes place, and marks the beginning of the Homowo season which ends in September after the crops are harvested.

At times, often midway or near the end of the year, the Dantu Priest may shift the Calendar either forward or backward by a week or two.

The key milestones of the Native Year include: The climax of the festival arrives on the 13th day, Saturday, with a grand feast where palm soup and kpokpoi are prepared and enjoyed.

On the 14th day, Sunday, visits are exchanged, and the people engage in various practices to commemorate the departed and express well-wishes for the New Year.

Overall, the Native Year and its associated customs are deeply interwoven with the Ga culture, reflecting both practical considerations and spiritual beliefs.

[10] The Homowo Festival features several cultural elements, including rituals and traditions that hold historical significance.

The Korle Priest performs ceremonies involving libations, prayers, and the removal of palm leaves to mark the cycles of opening and closing the lagoon.

[6] This rite involves plastering two side doors with red clay (Akpade) on the Friday of the Twins Yam Festival.

[6] The head of the family traditionally sprinkles kpoikpoi (a process called "Nishwamo") and pours drinks to the ground to honor ancestors following the preparation of Homowo food on Saturday.

[6][9] Noowala Noowala (Long life Long Life) Afi naa akpe wo (May the new year bring us together) Gbii kpaanyo anina wo (May we live to see the eighth day) Woye Gbo ni woye Gboenaa (May we eat the fruits of Gbo and that of Gboenaa) Wofee moomo (May we live long) Alonte din ko aka-fo woten (May no black cat (ill omen) come between us) Wosee afi bene wotrashi neke nonu noon (May sit like this the next year) Tswa Tswa tswa Omanye aba (Hai!

[1][6] The ingredients for making Kpekpele are simple and few; ground corn/maize, palm-oil, onions, salt and in some Ga houses there’s the inclusion of okra which is optional.