Culture

[RNdabari]

This week Gîkûyû speaks on alcohol, it's
Significance in Agîkûyû ways of life.

Ndabari: thaai!!! Thaai!! (peace from above) Alcohol known to as Njohi has been part of our culture since ancient times. Gîkûyû, my prayer to you today is that you elaborate to us why Njohi held a special place in Agîkûyû way of life

Gîkûyû: Thayû mwana wakwa Thayû. [Peace my child peace!!!] To us, Njohi ( alcohol) plays a special and significant role in society, From when a child is born, throughout the stages of one life till one is gathered with one's people.

Ndabari: 'Njohi' tell us more about this word

Gîkûyû: In our culture the word 'Njohi' translates to bind from the word kuoha (tie).

Ndabari: And what is this that 'Njohi' binds

Gîkûyû: Good question Ndabari, but before I answer this question, let me explain in detail the component of Njohi and their meaning so you know the intent of this drink.

'Mûratina' is the name the agîkûyû brew is known & It is a combination of 4 important ingredients as you shall soon find out.

The first is Kîratina(Sausage fruit). The sausage fruit has many seeds, and when ultimately ripe it falls on its own accord. Grateful to have lived a full & productive life. The intent of kîratina in our Brew is to be a reminder of the partakers to live a full productive life & up to a ripe age.

Kîgwa(sugarcane) is the second from which we extract a sugary syrup. Sugarcane structure is such that it has marûngo (stages). The intent of kîgwa in Mûratina is a prayerful wish that one life be as sweet as kîgwa. The marûngo(stages) signify that one may live fully all the stages of human life from infancy to great grandparenthood.

Ûkî (Honey) is the third. Derived from the bee worker. In observing the bee we learn of its dexterity in its work, loyalty, and wisdom in selecting where to draw nectar from, distinguishing which flowers to touch & which not to. From these observations, mûnyui(partaker) should emulate the bee

Maaî( water) is the fourth & final one signifying the wealth of life

Now that you understand that the question What is this that 'Njohi ' binds

Ndabari: Gîkûyû, yes continue

Gîkûyû: Njohi ya Mûratina ( Mûratina brew) is a tight bond of these four elements, consequently it binds clans during marriages, cements friendships, binds the living to the departed(by pouring libations), and finally blesses our kids.

Ndabari: Are these the only cases where njohi is used

Gîkûyû: There are others but they are merely a variation of the above, The paramount rule in brewing the brew, Mûhandi (brewer) must have a clear intent (noongorio- giving desires a spirit)

Ndabari: Does Mûhandi ( brewer) brew it alone

Gîkûyû: Brewing mûratina is an intricate process that must be done with a pure spirit. Mûhandi works in collaboration with other experts such as Mwai ( beehive specialist), Mûthûi ( honey harvester), Muna ( sugar syrup extractor)

Ndabari: And how is it prepared?

Gîkûyû: To those blessed the information is handed down to them through apprenticeship
Thaai! Thaai!!

Ndabarî: Thayû Gîkûyû!!! Thayû wa Awa kîgotho.
—-------------------

Gîkûyû, Unveils the Mysteries of Njohi: How Njohi Weaves the Fabric of Agîkûyû life


Ndabari: Gather 'round, nyûmba! This week, Gîkûyû is here to enlighten us about the profound role of alcohol in Agîkûyû culture.

Ndabari: (excitedly) Thaai!!! Thaai!! (peace from above) Njohi, our cherished alcohol, has woven itself into the tapestry of our lives since time immemorial. Gîkûyû, won't you please grace us with your wisdom and share why Njohi holds such a sacred place in Agîkûyû society?

Gîkûyû: (serenely) Thayû mwana wakwa Thayû. [Peace my child peace!!!] Njohi, or alcohol, plays a unique and significant role in our society. It accompanies us from birth, guides us through life's journey, and unites us in the end.

Ndabari: 'Njohi,' what a captivating word! Tell us more about it.

Gîkûyû: In our culture, 'Njohi' translates to 'bind' from the word 'kuoha' (tie).

Ndabari: (curious) What is it that 'Njohi' binds, Gîkûyû?

Gîkûyû: Ah, an astute question, Ndabari. But before I delve into that, let me unravel the components of Njohi and their profound meanings. You see, 'Mûratina' is the name of our beloved brew, and it's a fusion of four vital ingredients.

Gîkûyû: (mysteriously) First, we have Kîratina, the Sausage fruit, with its numerous seeds, symbolizing a life lived to the fullest. It falls when ripe, signifying a fruitful and graceful existence.

Gîkûyû: (with a smile) Then comes Kîgwa, the sugarcane, from which we extract sweet syrup. Its stages ( irûngo) represent the full spectrum of human life, from infancy to the wisdom of old age.

Gîkûyû: (reflectively) Ûkî, the honey, derived from the diligent bee. We learn from bees about dedication, wisdom in choosing nectar sources, and loyalty, virtues we aim to emulate.

Gîkûyû: (contemplatively) Maaî, water, the final element, symbolizes the richness of life itself.

Gîkûyû: (enigmatically) Now, with this understanding, we can answer the question of what 'Njohi' truly binds.

Ndabari: (eager) Gîkûyû, please continue.

Gîkûyû: Njohi ya Mûratina, our Mûratina brew, tightly binds these four elements. It unites clans during weddings, strengthens friendships, connects the living to the departed through libations, and bestows blessings upon our children.

Ndabari: (intrigued) Are these the only occasions where Njohi is employed?

Gîkûyû: (jovial) There are other instances, my child, but they all stem from these fundamental principles. The most crucial rule in brewing Mûratina is to have a pure spirit and clear intent (noongorio) in one's heart.

Ndabari: (curious) Does the Mûhandi, the brewer, work alone?

Gîkûyû: (thoughtfully) Brewing Mûratina is a complex art that demands collaboration. The Mûhandi works alongside experts(ago) like Mwai & Mwanîki, the beehive specialist, Mûthûi, the honey harvester, and Muna, the sugar syrup extractor.

Ndabari: (inquiring) And how is it all prepared, Gîkûyû?

Gîkûyû: (wisely) The sacred knowledge is passed down through generations, shared in the intimate journey of apprenticeship.

Ndabarî: (gratefully) Thaai! Thaai!!

Ndabarî: Thayû Gîkûyû!!! Thayû wa Awa kîgotho.