In ancient times, the rhythms and pace of human activity all around the world were determined by natural cycles such as the seasons, phases of the moon and periods of light and dark.
The Romans initiated a global calendar back in the first century BC, and this evolved into the 12-month calendar we are all familiar with.
While it makes sense to use the standard calendar to organise our lives in synch with other people, there is also value in remembering our traditional, nature-based calendar, especially when working directly with nature.
Ancient calendars traditionally place the new year at spring equinox, the time when most new life naturally begins, with longer days, higher temperatures and rain providing plants and animals with the conditions the babies need to grow and thrive.
This year, spring equinox in the southern hemisphere fell on September 23 (the day before Heritage Day), and members of The Green Net co-hosted an African New Year celebration in St Faith’s on the day as part of the Ubuhle Bomhlaba project.
Ubuhle Bomhlaba (the beauty of nature) is a programme being undertaken by The Green Net in partnership with Enhlanhleni Development NPO in St Faith’s; key project areas include organic food growing/permaculture, AIP removal and indigenous reforestation, waste management, green building, arts and crafts development and ecotourism development.
The African New Year event provided the public with information about the traditional African calendar and how this was traditionally used in KZN and expressed in the isiZulu language.
The highlight of the day was the ‘St Faith’s Got Talent’ competition.
Some 60 local youth, ranging in age from four to 34, provided a wonderful afternoon of song, dance and drama. It was truly heartwarming to experience the enthusiasm and joyful energy of the performances, which had been well rehearsed and were very entertaining.
Prize giving was a noisy, fun affair, with awards being voted for by the whole group.
Everyone agreed that the voting was fair. Prizes were awarded in the following categories: poetry, traditional Zulu dance, hip hop and Mr and Miss St Faith’s New Year.
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