Ms Fatuwani Mulovhedzi receives a small portion of the blessed seeds, taking them carefully with her right hand, to nurture and sow in her own field. This tradition ensures the community remains connected through the shared act of cultivation and growth.
Suko Seed Blessing ritual revived in Mazwimba, Venda, after 40 years
“Seeds hold great cultural significance by representing new beginnings and the promise of generous harvests. The purpose of this sacred seed blessing ceremony is to invoke, inform and request the ancestral spirits to bless the seed, to process the seed, and to ask for rain in order to ensure a bountiful harvest. Through these prayers, the communities spread offerings, and build unity between the people and the Earth. The ritual serves a vital role that connects the community with their heritage and the natural world. Through these sacred practices, individuals reaffirm their respect for the land and their dependence on its cycles. This tradition fosters a deep sense of harmony and gratitude among the participants.”
Mashudu Takalani was explaining the importance of Suko, the Venda seed blessing ritual. She is the Programme Facilitator for EarthLore’s activities in South Africa. In 2017 Mashudu returned to her roots in Mazwimba, Venda. She is now deeply embedded in the Venda community and appreciates being able to celebrate the rich heritage of the Venda people, their culture, traditions and their rituals and ceremonies.
For the elders and the elder custodian, preparation for blessing the seed began very early, around 4:30 in the morning of 9 October 2024. They had to gather the necessary plants and other ingredients from the mountain and the river, including fresh water from the natural spring. They mixed a variety of seeds, protective herbs and medicines in the basket that would be used for the ritual.
As soon as breakfast was finished, everyone gathered at Vho Masindi’s homestead where the three elders put down snuff at the entrance. This was to announce their presence at her homestead to the ancestors and to be welcomed in her home. They asked everyone to remove their shoes, hats, and “doeks” (a popular headwrap in South Africa) and to sit and wait behind the wall while they went inside the house to perform preparatory rituals. For those outside it was an opportunity to connect with the earth. Even the wall, built the traditional way with soil and then plastered with cow dung, was a reminder of this interconnection. There was a sense of anticipation and reverence as each person reflected on the significance of the moment.
It was not too long to wait before the elders appeared, carrying the basket of seed and water with great care. The elders who led the ritual did so with a profound sense of reverence, ensuring each step was performed with precision and care, highlighting the importance of preserving the rigour of such cultural practices. This connection to tradition made a deep impression on those attending the ceremony.
Visiting farmers from Bikita, Zimbabwe, and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, who had travelled long distances and those who lived close by and had brought seeds with them were invited to use their right hands to place some of their seeds in the basket. Vho Merium Netshilunzhe then blessed the seeds, assisted by Vho Marandela and Vho Makwarela. After blessing the seeds, they sprinkled water in the air and splashed everyone while chanting and singing. They called for rain and told the ancestors that the land and farmers were ready. When the rhythmic chants echoed through the air they brought unity and hope, creating a powerful connection between the people, the land, and the ancestors. As the water droplets landed on their skin, it was as if the parched earth itself was receiving rain and promising a fruitful harvest ahead.
Everyone danced and sang at the end of the ritual and sent off the joy and spirit of the sacred ceremony. The traditional songs gradually faded and the atmosphere shifted to a more reflective mood, signifying the transition to the next session. Participants gathered under a marquee, ready to participate in the ritual of storytelling and sharing personal experiences and reflections. This time of introspection allowed everyone to connect on a deeper level, reinforcing the bonds created during the celebration.
Vho Merium Netshilunzhe spoke first and explained that, based on the wisdom of those who came before and to ensure good health, it is crucial for the Vhavenda people to communicate with the ancestors and to connect with other elements before the planting season to prevent disease, manage pests, and secure crops in the field. She went on to say:
“This connection strengthens our relationship with nature and ensures a bountiful harvest. By performing traditional rituals and seeking guidance from ancestors, the Vhavenda people restore balance and harmony with the natural world and it helps us to sustain our traditional farming and agricultural practices. It is important to respect and preserve ancestral knowledge and to pass it on to future generations.”
A rich discussion followed, with representatives from the different communities sharing their knowledge about the seeds that are significant for them and that they were dedicating themselves to multiply for the next year, depending on environmental factors, soil types, climate and custom. The seeds ranged from sorghum and finger millet to lablab beans, pumpkin seeds, red maize and jugo beans. Many of these are staple foods and, also, cultural symbols that connect communities to their heritage.
Nikiwe from the Steenbok community in Mpumalanga said that their focus was on preserving the indigenous amatapane.
Nikiwe explained:
“The amatapane is not a seed but a small potato-like plant that grows in the wild. It is both a food and a medicine that is disappearing from the area. Steenbok will multiply this plant during the coming year to show our commitment to traditional practices.”
She added:
“After witnessing the Suko seed blessing ritual here in Mazwimba, I am interested in bringing this meaningful tradition into our Swati culture.”
The last time the Suko ritual was performed in Mazwimba was over 40 years ago when traditional rituals became demonized in the eyes of the Christian church and people were no longer free to practice their traditions. Everyone who had participated in the seed blessing ceremony and the calling for rain expressed gratitude that Suko had been revived in Mazwimba. They each carried home some of the seeds from the Suko ritual that had been blessed and shared amongst the participants. These seeds will serve as a reminder of a beautiful sacred experience that brought people closer together and closer to the earth.
