Contrary to superstition, prior to the year 1487 Friday 13th was an auspicious day. It was a day of deep spiritual significance in recognition and reverence of African women.
The fear and deep pain suffered by our female ancestors were all in order to disband, eradicate and bury that part of African history. The ancient African rituals were too powerful in ceremony and there was no telling of its manifestations in the foreign mind. These rituals paid homage to the God they served and to women who were recognized as the primary procreators of life. These ceremonies were held on Friday 13th.
The Spiritual Significance of Friday 13th in African Culture
Friday 13th augured good luck. It was associated with the 13 cycles of the moon in a lunar year and it was symbolic because women have 13 cycles a year as well and ovulate on the 13th day. It was a spiritual day of enlightenment and healing for the divine feminine energy.
These spiritual rituals had a mentality steeped in mysticism. They underscored a belief system that was celebrated as a connection to The Divine.
Witchcraft
It was the Australian priest Heinrich Kramer, through ignorance of the culture or fear, or a quest for wealth, power and control that dismantled the ritual and labeled it witchcraft. He was instrumental in erasing that segment of African history. He cemented this in his book Malleus Maleficarum (1487), where he described these rituals as witchcraft and he set out rules to allow for its extermination through burning celebrants who then became labeled witches.
African Spirituality and the Divine Female
African spirituality is a diverse and complex tapestry of beliefs, practices, and traditions that vary across different regions and communities. While it’s important to note that Africa is not a monolithic entity, there are common threads that run through many African belief systems, including the reverence for the Divine Female.
In African cultures, the Divine Female is associated with motherhood, fertility, and the nurturing aspects of creation. She is seen as the source of life, a symbol of strength, and a guide through the challenges of existence. The essence of the Divine Female became rooted in the lunar calendar and the cycles of nature for this reason.
The Lunar Calendar and the 13th Moon
This significant aspect of African spirituality in the use of the lunar calendar also plays a central role in the organization of time, rituals, and agricultural practices. These lunar calendars typically consist of 13 months, with each month corresponding to the phases of the moon. Friday the 13th also holds particular importance as it aligns with the 13th moon of the lunar calendar.
The 13th moon, often referred to as the “Blue Moon,” is a symbol of transformation and rebirth. It represents a time of spiritual renewal and growth, much like the Divine Female’s ability to create and nurture life. In many African cultures, this lunar event is celebrated with rituals, ceremonies, and festivals that honor, not just the Divine Female but the natural world as well.
Acts of Nature Relevant to the Divine Female
Friday the 13th is also associated with acts of nature that are seen as manifestations of the Divine Female’s power. These acts include rainfall, which is crucial for agricultural success and the sustenance of life in many African societies. The rain is seen as a blessing from the Divine Female, providing nourishment to the earth and its inhabitants. These rituals often involve music, dance, and offerings to the spirits and deities associated with water and fertility. Communities come together to celebrate this day, reinforcing their connection with the land and the natural world.
Harvest and Fertility Celebrations
The 13th moon, occurring around this time, also signals the transition from the planting season to the harvest season. It is a time of anticipation and gratitude, as communities prepare to reap the rewards of their labor.
During these celebrations, people gather to give thanks to the Divine Female for her role in providing the bountiful harvest. They offer prayers, songs, and dances in her honor, acknowledging the vital connection between the earth’s fertility and the Divine Female’s nurturing presence.
Gender Equality and Empowerment
The veneration of Friday the 13th in African cultures extends beyond the spiritual realm and holds a profound message of gender equality and empowerment. In many African societies, women play vital roles as the caretakers of the family and the community. Friday the 13th becomes an occasion to recognize and celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of women.
This day is an opportunity to challenge gender stereotypes and promote the idea that women, like the Divine Female, are powerful and essential forces in society. It is a time to emphasize the value of women’s wisdom, leadership, and nurturing qualities.
So Friday the 13th, has a unique and significant place in African culture, contrary to the superstitions surrounding it in Western societies. The connection between this date and the Divine Female, as well as the natural world, is a testament to the deep mysticism, spiritual and cultural richness of African traditions. African communities have long recognized the importance of honoring the Divine Female’s role in creation, nurturing, and sustenance.
As the world becomes more interconnected, it is essential to appreciate and respect the diversity of beliefs and practices that exist in different cultures. The veneration of Friday the 13th in African cultures serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of these traditions, and the need to approach them with an open mind and an understanding of their significance. It is a testament to the resilience, wisdom, and celebration of life that are at the heart of African spirituality and culture.
Disclaimer: This information was partly generated through CHATGPT
