A community consists of a group of individuals, families, tribes and cultures that live in the same geographical location and have common interests. For instance, people who live near a river and engage primarily in fishing are referred to as a fishing community. In its broader sense, the term community includes entire nations and states. People who have a common background or history that binds them together characterizes a typical community. The dynamics of every community change with the passage of time. The objective of this paper is to examine some of the gatherings that take place in the community and how these gatherings are related to time.
Some of the gatherings that take place in my community include events that mark the arrival of a newborn child, circumcision, weddings, funerals, political rallies, and national holidays. The values of the community are communicated through narratives, collective prayers, recitals, songs and dances; depending on the solemnity of the situation.
In most communities, the passage of time is marked by a special event or ceremony.For example, the birth of a child is marked by a naming ceremony. Relatives and friends gather to welcome the new arrival, congratulate the parents as well as pray for the baby. It is usually a joyous occasion full of laughter and the parents of the child are showered with gifts as well as advice if it is their first child.
The rite of circumcision marks the passage of boys from childhood into adulthood. The boys are usually herded off into a secluded spot away from the rest of the community for an extended period. During this time, they are taught by their elders on how to handle greater responsibilities and conduct themselves with honor in the society.
Funerals also serve to bring people together. Relatives and friends of the bereaved gather to pay their last respects. In some cases, especially in the days preceding the burial, people gather to raise funds that will help the family meet expenses related to the burial. During the ceremony, dirges are sung to express grief, console the bereaved and to give hope to all those affected. They are usually sad and solemn, with little or no movement at all. These are often followed by speeches from relatives and close friends of the deceased. The person leading the ceremony conducts himself in a similar somber fashion as a sign of respect.
In contrast, the songs sung during wedding ceremonies are cheerful and vibrant. The intention is usually to celebrate the union of not just two individuals, but two different families. As such, weddings are of great significance and are usually characterized by feasting and drinking. Towards the end, the groom and bride are usually given presents that range from utensils to furniture or even a car.
During political rallies and national holidays, qualities such as patriotism and unity are expressed when members of the community gather at a central place to be addressed by their leaders. The speeches given by the leaders are aimed at uniting the people as well as motivating the spectators into taking action. They are usually accompanied by music to entertain the masses. These gatherings provide a platform for members to exchange ideas as well as present their grievances. Depending on the mood at the time and the underlying issues, the gatherings can be either peaceful or violent.
Family reunions, more commonly known as get-togethers are characterized by a meeting of all the relatives in a central location. These meetings are usually held upcountry where the grandparents reside. During these times, stories are told, different opinions shared and points debated. They may be based on current proceedings or things that happened in the distant past. The past is brought up as a way of imparting lessons, especially to the younger generation. Reunions are a time of relaxation and renewing the sense of kinship in families. These gatherings are mostly held annually and are accompanied by merry-making.
Graduation ceremonies are a common feature in my community. This is because education is highly valued. Hence, someone who has attended and successfully graduated from an institution of higher learning is held in high esteem. The family of such an individual usually organizes a feast that is attended by close relatives and friends. Congratulatory speeches are made and the graduate is given advice on how to handle life from that point onwards. It is usually a very cheerful occasion, marked by singing and dancing.
Development projects such as building dams, drilling wells or planting trees to prevent soil erosion provide a platform for members of the community to interact. This is one time when people set aside their political and ideological differences and decide to work together for the good of the society as a whole. Activities are organized and resources pooled together towards a common goal. Uplifting songs are sung in order to encourage the people to work even harder. In the process, values such as commitment and hard work are learnt. Community ties are strengthened by working together thus promoting social cohesion.
One of the ways that a community can commemorate its past is by building shrines or monuments of important individuals that were involved in shaping the history of the community. These shrines are considered sacred and are protected by the local citizens.
A community can also revere its past by setting aside a single day to remember a specific event or person. This tradition can then be passed to the future generations to ensure that the memory is not lost.
On a national scale, important events can be incorporated into the syllabus where children are taught about the history of their country and other events that are related to their country. This is a sure method of preserving the heritage of a country.
A local museum does not exist in my community. However, several libraries are stocked with reading materials that go as far back as the pre-independence period. These materials serve as reference tools for future generations who are eager to learn more about their roots as well as their present surroundings. Apart from these physical structures, human beings can serve as memory banks. The information carried by parents and grandparents is passed on to the subsequent generation and the next one after that. This is especially true in the case of local events that are not necessarily chronicled in books or the local dailies but which are still significant in the eyes of the community.
In conclusion, various gatherings and events are held in the community to mark the passage of time. These include weddings, family reunions, circumcision ceremonies, as well as religious festivities like idd-ul-fitr, which, are observed worldwide. It is important for a community to participate in these activities. They provide a platform for individuals to interact and understand each other better, thus promoting social cohesion. They also serve as a tool for preserving the collective memory of the community.