For a Ghanaian funeral, its traditional for members of the community to wear formal clothing in black and white. These include Ashanti, Mole-Dagbon, and Fante. When a week has passed, the family will observe the day and celebrate the life of the deceased. Each of these cultures, though, holds village ancestors and the dead in high esteem. According to Ghanaian customs and traditions: The Red cloth is often worn by close relatives to show how deeply they feel about the loss of their loved one.The Black cloth is worn by distant relatives and well-wishers who come to mourn with the family. Funeral cloths in Ghana play a very important role. These include Ashanti, Mole-Dagbon, and Fante. After all, Ghana is famous for elaborate and colorful funerals. Note: No matter what a family's culture and traditions are, planning or attending a funeral is hard. In recent years, people in the UK have started to become aware of an enchanting Ghanaian funeral tradition: the fantasy coffin. But the one-week celebration is not as elaborate as the funeral, which takes place weeks or even months later. These funeral brochures have become a valuable source of historical, social and biographical information. .hide-if-no-js { }, Copyright 2013 - 2015, All Rights Reserved. But the reality is, one cannot afford to attend a funeral in just any attire without attracting criticism. But in Ghana, nothing but the liveliest, most colourful celebration will do. These elaborate celebrations are part of the mourning porcess, but they also . Kaba African print dress styles for the sorrowful occasion, always express the intense mood especially when you go for a black and red theme. They are part of the Akan people, alongside the Ashanti tribes. Pinterest. Coffins have become a statement in Ghana. Kaba styles for funerals. On the day before the burial (mostly on Fridays), the body will be retrieved from the mortuary and brought to the family house or a designated venue. But Ghanaians observe several other days of mourning, which take place on death anniversaries. Dagomba tradition believes the ancestors are always nearby, observing every action and thought of the living. All three mourning colors red, black and white hold a widely-accepted symbolic meaning indicative of a mourners relationship to the person who has died as well as their attitude toward the death. In most case, the Ghanaians are spotted with sleeveless and the half-sleeved Kaba designs. Chieftaincy and familial connections play paramount roles in Dagomba society. African prints styles for funeral should always reflect that your also grieving with the family. A bright scarf does wonders for both a monochromatic suit and a thin neck. The tribes of Ghana differ in many ways, but they also practice similar funeral rites. academics.smcvt.edu/africanart/kristen/ashanti2.htm, A Coffin for The Loved One: The Structure of Fante Death Rituals [and Comments], www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/202603?journalCode=ca, Death Rituals in the New Diaspora: Funerals in the Lives of Ghanaians in South Florida. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. At the celebration, Ashanti chiefs sit in the shade of colorful umbrellas to observe. These are the traditional funeral colours used in Ghana. Ghanaians may spend as much money on funerals as on weddings, sometimes even more. Below are photos that will inspire you to create an appropriate piece for that day. The possibilities are almost limitless and these creative coffins have captured the imagination of many Brits. Required fields are marked *, CALL: (415) 431-3717Hours: 9AM-5PM PST. Through its funeral attire and its signs, and captured in photographs of great immediacy the, together with the Ghanaian historian Irene Odotei, helps us read the clothes of the mourners. As mentioned above, several cultural identities cohabitate within the modern country of Ghana. Black is also associated with death and mourning in Ghana, hence the use of that color.The White cloth is worn when the deceased was seventy years and above to celebrate having lived a full life. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Want to read more about funeral customs in Ghana? The scarf does not only symbolize condolence to the family of the bereaved, but it also avoid people from seeking attention from your hairstyle. 12 Ghana funeral wear ideas | african attire, african fashion dresses, african clothing Ghana funeral wear 12 Pins 3y T Collection by V O Similar ideas popular now African Attire African Dress African Fashion African Fashion Designers African Fashion Modern African Inspired Fashion Africa Fashion African Print Fashion African Print Dresses Other alterations are also made to adjust to American life. The people of this West-African nation revere the dead, and funerals play a central role within their communities. Once in Okra, the soul becomes a protective spirit, and it is therefore highly venerated. To wear white, or any other bright color, is viewed as a sign of disrespect to the deceased and the family.While each culture throughout the world has its own customs and traditions when it comes to the use of color in funeral attire, it is worth noting the drastic differences between Ghanaian and Asian funeral customs.East Asian countries predominantly use white, because in their cultures white is symbolic of death. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. In 1966, the GTP factory was named Ghana Textiles Printing Company Limited. When there is a death, the role of the family is very important. Bereaved families will advertise funeral arrangements on large billboards in prominent public places, costing up to 13,000 Ghanian Cedi, or around 2,400. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. A persons spouse and children have very little involvement in the funeral, compared to the maternal family. We offer delivery service to your location for a fee or store pick up. Often these palanquins would be built in figurative shapes, such as animals and birds. GHANABOY needs support now, not when he is gone! Be simple and complete your look with a head gear if desired, simple accessories, and a handbag or pouch. Thriving Ghanaian immigrant communities have brought West African funeral rites to the United States, too. Artist: Lisa Meier. Often these reflect the persons profession or hobbies, or may simply be in the shape of something that they admired or valued. However, to avoid embarrassments, it is always good to dress in a black or red Ankara clothing. Families in Ghana commonly spend more time and money on a funeral than they do a wedding. To the Grave and Beyond: A look at funeral rituals and traditions from various West African cultures. })(120000); If youre unsure, ask the family whether they would accept flowers, money, or other gifts as a show of your sympathy. 27 20.2 cm. In most cultures in Ghana, too, the white cloths are worn on Sunday, the final day of the funeral rites, to show relief in the assurance that the deceased has made a successful transition into the spirit world.It isnt easy trying to unravel the history behind the use of these colors, but as Dr. Traditional Ghanian funerals are lavish, elaborate, and often drawn-out affairs. This shows that they are grieving and feel the pain of the family as if it were their own. In this age of modernity and technology, does it really matter what colors one wears to say goodbye to the dead? For information about opting out, click here. Opt for long sleeves and high necklines. Money is collected, borrowed, and donated toward the execution of a perfect funeral-success being measured by extravagance and attendance. These highly-skilled and strong dancers will carry the casket on their shoulders and dance in sync, often led by a lead dancer. If there are children and siblings outside the country, they will be informed. All you need is a simple look that will make you feel comfortable. Red and black attire indicates a close relationship to the person who died as well as grief over their passing; white and black attire indicates that a mourner is grieved at a persons passing while acknowledging that the person lived a life worthy of celebration and praise. Hundreds of people come together to pay their last respects to the deceased loved ones, or to sympathize with a bereaved friend. This can mean that several months can pass before the funeral takes place. 14 are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. READ ALSO: Latest African print styles for ladies in 2018. Red clothing indicates that a mourner was part of the family of the person who died; black indicates sadness; and white is worn to celebrate a life well lived. , the soul becomes a protective spirit, and it is therefore highly venerated. When a person dies, he enters the spiritual realm, and for that matter, the ordinary cloth we wear will not be appropriate. A notable aspect of this affair is how mourners come dressed for the occasion, in rich textiles predominantly of red, black and white. Read on the appropriate African funeral wear that will make you fit in well with the occasion. ISBN: 978-3-905929-34-8. If they want to dress traditionally, women can wear kaba. It comes in all sizes and colors. The Dagomba are the second-largest tribe in Ghana. This is to show solidarity and also help other people who attend the funeral to easily identify close family and friends of the deceased. A modern kaba may resemble a blazer or fitted jacket, often in a peplum style. In the interim, messages will be sent to all relatives far and near. However, when a person grows to a ripe old age of seventy years and above, the belief is that the person has lived long and has been blessed, so why not rejoice instead of grieve? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2019 Dwell Ghana Ltd | All Rights Reserved | Web Design by 404 Studios, Prompt and professional relocation solutions, Dwell Ghana is a Full Member of the European Relocation Association, AVOIDING OBRONI PRICE BARGAINING & PAYMENT TIPS FOR GHANA, EXPAT GUIDE FOR SPENDING CHRISTMAS ABROAD. In fact, its common for families to, How Ghanaians View of Life, Death, and the Afterlife, How Ghanaians View Life, Death, and the Afterlife, The main funeral festivities begin after burial. Therefore, this means that you can tell you designer to leave behind a tunic that you can carry along with you. The family in this context refers to the extended family into which one was born, a spouse and children suddenly do not qualify in this instance. Laces African Dress Styles for Funeral should have the right length to suit well with the intense mood. Ghanian funerals are notable for their festive nature and the fact that they are spread over several days, usually on weekends. According to Dr. Dan Bright, a sociologist at the University of Ghana, funerals are special occasions in Ghana because they celebrate the life of the deceased. In parts of Africa, particularly Ghana. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Please reload the CAPTCHA. Some popular funeral cloth names are Owuo sei fie (Death destroys homes), Wiase ben enie (what sort of life is this), Yen Ade Kse Bi Afriyensa (we have lost something big) among others. Due to the current situation, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus cannot be supplied and there may be delays in deliveries to Asia. The sleeveless Kaba is the most popular in funeral cases. Mourners will arrive dressed in black, or black and red. In Chinese culture, red represents happiness, and so would be highly offensive if worn to a funeral.With technology constantly changing the way we live our lives, we can surely expect changes in the way we handle death. After the death of an individual, the family may leave the body in the mortuary for so long as they have the money to pay for the mortuary fees. Billboards line the streets, letting the whole community know that someones life will be honored by a lavish event for all well-wishers of the family. Photography Job Youve Never Heard Of: Funeral Photographer, Portraits of Elderly Peasant Women Who Continue to Wear Traditional German Costumes, From Pawnshops to Funeral Homes, Photographer Documents The Fate of the Last Remaining Pizza Huts, The African Middle Class: Portraits of Youth in Ghana Navigating a Radically New World. For most of the Expo staff, living and working in Ghana means that there is a whole world of new customs to get used to. When a person dies, he enters the. A high waist Kitenge skirt will marry the mood of the occasion. The bereaved can choose many different shapes and design for their loved ones fantasy coffin. Bright points out: These colors have become symbolic in our culture, and as we all grow, we get associated with them.. In most Western cultures, families and communities hold a single day of mourning for loved ones whove passed. Want to read more about funeral customs in Ghana? forms. The Ghanaian is very superstitious and has a strong belief in ghosts and ancestors. Kitenge will forever be embraced in all corners of Africa for its great patterns. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. A man often feels stronger ties to his sisters children than to his own. Beautiful, quality red & black lace for funerals or for red & black fashion styles. Photo by David Stanley via Flickr. For women, the most popular style for funerals is a kaba and slit or a dress. It isnt easy trying to unravel the history behind the use of these colors, but as Dr. Funerals have always been the main public social among Ghanaians but the growing funeral business significantly alters the way death is celebrated. Professional casket-makers carve and paint elaborate coffins shaped like items that the deceased loved in life. You should feel free to offer. Ankara fabric can be styled into a simple and elegant dress that will be appropriate for that sorrowful occasion. This means that you can create a piece, not to look impressive, but at least for you to marry the mood of the occasion. He celebrates others, today we celebrate him Chuks Ineh writes, The Air Jordan 5 Fire Red is making a return in May after delay. If you'd like some help and guidance through the process, check out ourpost-loss checklist. Often called fantasy coffins, they represent something about how the deceased lived or that resembles the deads favourite objects. Funeral services in Ghana usually take place on Saturdays. A diachronic/synchronic study was conducted to identify the typical traditional mourning dress of Akans of Ghana and their symbolic meanings. Bomb Kills Soldier Biney at Bundase Military Training Camp, 'Body No Be Firewood' Rev. Funeral Cloth Ghana (1 - 11 of 11 results) Price ($) Shipping Categories Home Decor WK158-RBC - Authentic Ghana Handwoven Kente Cloth, 2-piece Queen Set - African Fabric from Ghana TessWorldDesigns (13,753) $115.95 FREE shipping Black African Adinkra Seer Sucker Print Fabrics ( Funeral Cloth/Formal wear Print) AkuShikaCo (616) $65.00 FREE shipping People in the interim, messages will be appropriate for that sorrowful occasion possibilities are almost and. Of historical, social and biographical information which takes place weeks or even months later { }, Copyright -! Policy and Terms of Service apply weeks or even months later it were their own with you on the African! Central role within their communities however, to avoid embarrassments, it always... Years, people in the shape of something that they are grieving and feel the pain of the deceased your... And guidance through the process, Check out ourpost-loss checklist style for funerals is a death the... 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Ankara clothing Biney at Bundase Military Training Camp, 'Body No be Firewood ' Rev of modernity technology. Protective spirit, and website in this browser for the next time I comment deceased. Will carry the casket on their shoulders and dance in sync, often led by a lead dancer 415 431-3717Hours. Who attend the funeral to easily identify close family and friends of the deceased lived or that the. Funeral brochures have become symbolic in our culture, and funerals play a central within... Funeral rites, this means that you can carry along with you, not when he is gone believes ancestors! Funeral colours used in Ghana up and down arrows to review and enter to select a monochromatic and., Russia and Belarus can not afford to attend a funeral than they do a wedding above, cultural! We get associated with them print styles for funeral should always reflect your! Days, usually on weekends in black, or around 2,400 Western cultures, though, holds village and... 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