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RELIGIOUS CONNOTATION OF EDUKONE AMONG ITESO

Around 2350 BC, Mesopotamia documented the first marriage rituals, which included hand fasting and dowry exchanges based on culture and religion (Staff, 2015). Hand fasting involved binding the couple’s hands together with ribbon or cord to symbolize their union, while dowry exchanges were gifts given by the groom to the bride’s family as a sign of his commitment (Barajas, 2023). These rituals were meant to solidify the bond between the couple and their families, ensuring a strong foundation for their future together (Mackey, 2023). Religious leaders or community elders usually establish traditional marriage rituals to bless a marriage. Many nations copied these ceremonies and added their own customs and traditions to the occasion (Adamu & Elabo, 2022).

The Hebrews in 2000 BCE first detailed the religious significance of marriage rituals. Genesis claims God created marriage (Jackson, 2011). The Hebrew patriarchs, who believed marriage was holy, started this movement. The idea that marriage has a divine beginning and sacred importance has spread worldwide, influencing marriage rites and traditions (Quinlan, 2023). Jewish marriage was seen as a spiritual relationship sanctioned by a divine entity, setting a precedent (Jackson, 2011). This belief continues to shape how many societies see marriage and its importance (Jackson, 2011).

Western society began to rethink marriage as a holy relationship in the 1800s (Vorster, n.d.). Individualism and romanticism shifted marriage’s focus from divinity to personal fulfillment and happiness. This transition has had a major impact on marriage, with some saying it has harmed the bond, while others say it is vital to reflect changing society ideals (Robinson, 2018). Many societies still follow the Hebrew patriarchs’ view of marriage’s holiness, despite these modifications (Robinson, 2018).

Traditional African marriage ceremonies were initially religiousized by the Maasai tribe in the early 19th century (Donati, 2019). It was started by their spiritual leader, Ole Sempeyo, who felt marriage should be divinely blessed. The initiative emphasized spiritual connection and supernatural blessings in Maasai marriages, changing them (Donati, 2019). Yoruba marriage ceremonies are strongly religious, giving them the second religious meaning of African marriage traditions. The chief priestess, Iyalorisa, initiated this endeavor because she felt the Orishas must bless a marriage for it to succeed. The Yoruba guarantee their partnerships are legally binding and spiritually meaningful through elaborate rites and god sacrifices. Modern Yoruba couples perceive marriage differently due to years of religious focus (Spa, 2018).

European marriage rites emphasize laws and religion above ancestry (Levush, 2017). Family and tradition continue to matter at many European marriages, with customs and rituals varied by country (Levush, 2017). Europeans likewise prioritize honoring their past and culture in their own ways. Whether through ancestral blessings or ancient practices, marriage ceremonies worldwide celebrate love and devotion. American marriages combine European and personal flair. American marriages reflect each couple’s uniqueness, from exchanging vows in a centuries-old church to using modern symbols. Many rituals honor ancestors and deceased loved ones. Every marriage celebration promotes love and unity, regardless of tradition (Van Long & Van, 2020).

The Amazigh tribe in North Africa values marriage spiritually. Their ceremonies include traditional tunes, rhythmic gestures, and benedictions from their ancestors. The Amazigh believe that marriage is a blessing from their ancestors and deities. This deep spiritual relationship is thought to bring the couple success, happiness, and reproduction. African marriage ceremonies smoothly blend tradition and spirituality, demonstrating their cultural uniqueness and relevance (Bouba, 2020; Sadiqi, 2021).

Zulu couples in southern Africa also value spirituality in their marital traditions. The Zulu believe that ancestors guide and protect newly married throughout their marriage (Segami & Van Eeden, 2020). The couple will perform many traditions to honor their ancestors and pray for a happy, fruitful marriage. Zumu tradition cements this spiritual relationship, laying the groundwork for the couple’s future. Since marriage ceremonies blend tradition and spirituality, they stress cultural history and spiritual beliefs that shape these sacred connections (Rudwick & Posel, 2015).

The Maasai of East Africa emphasize their spiritual ideas about marriage. The Maasai believe ancestors shape a couple’s existence. The couple performed various rites and ceremonies during marriage to honor their ancestors and seek their advice and protection. This spiritual link strengthens the couple’s relationship and emphasizes Maasai culture and custom. African marriages’ blend of traditional and spiritual aspects is powerful (Kipkalum, 2018).

Marriages in Uganda can span days and feature extravagant celebrations. These rituals bring the community together and bless the newly married with traditional dances, music, and eating. Family and friends support and advise the couple as they start a new life together. Ugandan marriage ceremonies emphasise community and unity to reflect society’s values of togetherness and solidarity.

According to Iteso Clans Directory – Atekerin Nuka Iteso (2017), When Iteso settled in Uganda, they organised themselves in to six clans. These clans include Ikaribwok: This clan is also referred to as ‘Ikaruok’ or ‘Ikarebuok’. These are battle-hardened warriors or fighters. Their brave and brilliant skills in battles made them the army to provide security for the Iteso. Emorut (2020), further clarifies that, currently Iteso occupy the following districts in Uganda: Amuria, Bukedea, Butebo, Kaberamaido, Kapelebyong, Katakwi, Soroti, Kumi, Ngora, Serere, Pallisa, as well as some areas in Tororo and Busia.

Much as Iteso are highly civilised, their ability to hold their cultural practices makes them identified easily with other communities of the Karamojong cluster. They have related cultural practices more so those performed in the rites of passage. The traditional practices of these cultural groups have both cultural and religious connotations according to the experience of the practitioners.

1.2  Problem statement

The Iteso tribe in Uganda exhibits a profound commitment to traditions. The Iteso participate in the performance of several rituals, including marriage rites, in order to satisfy the necessary requirements for the completion of the marriage ceremony.

Regrettably, these experiences are not subjected to academic study and documentation in order to provide a comprehensive depiction of the religious connotations of marriage rituals in Edukone among Iteso. The scholarly research conducted on Iteso has mostly concentrated on capturing the cultural significance of these rites, neglecting the religious significance based on the practitioners’ personal experiences. The prevalence of Western scholarship on African societies in academia and the media has provided scanty and unspecialized information on traditional marriage rituals of the Iteso.

The present state of affairs can explain the misconception of Iteso’s religious connotation of customary marriage rituals, especially among the Iteso, who have grown up far away from the Teso land where the traditional rituals are practiced and passed onto other generations. Besides, the academicians and interest groups who would love to quote Iteso traditional values have no reliable source of information, and this puts Iteso traditional values on the verge of collapse. This research seeks to document the religious connotations of marriage rituals in Edukone among the Iteso in Usuk Sub County, Katakwi District.

1.3 Objectives of the study

1.3.1 General objective

To examine the religious connotation of Edukone among Iteso.

1.3.2 Specific objectives.

1.     To establish the relevance of Edukone among Iteso.

2.     To establish and describe traditional rituals embedded in Edukone among Iteso.

3. To ascertain the religious implication of traditional marriage rituals in Edukone among Iteso.

1.4  Research questions

1.     What is the relevance of traditional marriage to Iteso?

2. What traditional marriage rituals exist among the Iteso?
3. What are the religious implication of traditional marriage rituals according to the experience of the Iteso?

1.5 Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study is to examine the religious connotation of Edukone among Iteso so as to establish the relevance of Edukone among the Iteso, describe and document rituals in the rite of marriage among the Iteso, and explore the religious implication of traditional marriage rituals among the Iteso.

1.5  Significance of the study

Examining the religious connotations of customary matrimonial ceremonies for the Iteso clan constituents offers valuable understanding of their convictions and principles, as well as the importance they attribute to cultural legacy. Through a comprehensive comprehension of the religious dimensions inherent in these rites, members of the Iteso clan can enhance their profound bond with their faith and ancestral heritage.

To the researcher, undertaking an investigation into the religious ramifications of conventional matrimonial practices offers a more profound comprehension of the cultural import and spiritual convictions associated with these rituals. This enables individuals to investigate the historical development of these rituals and their role in safeguarding religious customs across many societies.

Interest groups can enhance their comprehension of the cultural relevance and spiritual symbolism associated with traditional marriage rituals by undertaking a study on its religious implications. This study has the potential to yield significant findings regarding the influence of diverse religious beliefs and practices on individuals’ perspectives and approaches towards marriage and family dynamics.

The examination of the religious ramifications associated with conventional matrimonial ceremonies might yield valuable perspectives for governmental entities seeking to comprehend the cultural and societal importance of these customs across many societies. This knowledge possesses the potential to assist policymakers in making more informed judgments pertaining to matters such as marriage legislation, cultural conservation, and the protection of religious liberties.

It is imperative for religious leaders to engage in the examination of the religious ramifications associated with conventional marriage rituals in order to comprehend the spiritual import and symbolic connotations inherent in these ceremonial practices. It enables individuals to enhance their understanding of the customs and traditions that have been transmitted across generations, and to guarantee that these rituals persist in a manner that preserves the principles and convictions of their religion.

1.6 Scope of the study

1.6.1 Geographical scope

The study will focus on Teso sub-region a case of Usuk County, Katakwi district. It is a rural setting occupied by majorly Iteso who live a more traditional way of life compared to other parts of Teso. Besides that, it has the largest and popular active shrine locally known as “Atuket Okolimo” where most Iteso execute rituals including those relative to marriage. It is hoped that conducting a study in this rural population will help the research to gather aboriginal marriage ritualistic information that is credible and dependable in portraying the Iteso’s religious connotation of marriage rituals.

1.6.2 Content scope

The content scope of this study includes the establishment of the relevance of Edukone among the Iteso, examining the traditional marriage rituals among Iteso and the assessment of the religious implication of marriage rituals according to cultural context of Iteso.

1.6.3 Time scope

The time scope is hoped to be from 1950 to date. This time scope will allow capturing of relevant information from Uganda’s pre and post-independence. It is hoped that the country passed through various political, social, and economic transformations that must have informed the cultural context of Iteso more so in the rite of marriage during this time.

1.7 Rationale of the study

Conducting this study will help to establish and document the religious connotation of traditional marriage rituals among Iteso.  When that is done, this research shall enrich information that exist in academia about the cultural connotation of rituals among Iteso because a non-fictitious account of the religious connotation of marriage rituals among Iteso based on Iteso’s religious experience will be presented in an African point of view.

Last but not least, this study shall help to preserve, and promote the religious dimension of traditional marriage rituals and cultural practices of Iteso, this will help the young generation to appreciate and promote their religio-cultural identity.

1.8 The Theoretical framework.

The present study aims to employ Durkheim’s theory of religion and Franz Boas’ cultural relativism as theoretical frameworks to provide guidance for the research. Durkheim (1912) examined the fundamental aspects of religious life and posited in his theory of religion that individuals have a tendency to distinguish between sacred religious symbols, objects, and rituals, and the everyday symbols, objects, and routines of life known as the profane.  According to him, sacred artifacts are commonly thought to possess divine attributes that distinguish them from secular goods. Even in highly developed societies, individuals continue to hold sacred items in high regard and with a profound sense of admiration, even if they do not attribute any unique abilities to these artifacts. This argument will assist the researcher in establishing images and documenting the sacred and profane things utilized by Iteso during traditional marriage rites, as well as investigating the religious significance associated with these objects.

Durkheim also posited that religion extends beyond mere belief, encompassing the practice of regular rites and ceremonies by a collective of adherents, which subsequently fosters and reinforces a collective sense of solidarity. Rituals have a crucial role in fostering cohesion among members of a religious community, facilitating a means for individuals to transcend the ordinary components of their everyday existence and engage with elevated realms of spiritual encounters. Sacred rituals and ceremonies hold significant importance in commemorating various significant events, including but not limited to births, marriages, periods of crisis, and deaths.

Drawing upon Durkheim’s aforementioned perspective, it becomes evident that he examined the societal ramifications of religion. Nevertheless, his paradigm is pertinent to this study as it provides guidance to the researcher in exploring the religious aspect of traditional marriage ceremonies within the Iteso community, a topic that has received scant attention in African civilizations.

Durkheim hypothesized that the impact of religion would diminish as society undergoes modernization. The individual had the belief that scientific reasoning will potentially supplant religious reasoning, resulting in individuals allocating only minimal consideration to rites and ceremonies. Additionally, he regarded the notion of “God” as being on the brink of extinction. Alternatively, he conceived of society as advocating for civil religion, where civic festivities, processions, and partriotism replace religious ceremonies. In the event that conventional religion were to persist, he posited that its primary purpose would be to uphold social cohesiveness and maintain order. This argument holds true in the context of the Iteso case. According to scholarship, Iteso are seen with significant cultural advancement among all the groups in the Karamojong cluster. This implies that certain conventional and religious facets of existence are gradually diminishing. Based on this existing knowledge, the researcher is propelled to conduct a comprehensive interview with informants in order to elicit their insights about the traditional religious significance of marriage ceremonies, which is not extensively explored in academic research.

Thus, Durkheim’s theory of religion illustrates the strong correlation between religion and culture. It is imperative to analyze traditional rituals, such as marriage ceremonies, from both a religious and cultural standpoint.

Conversely, the notion of cultural relativism was introduced by anthropologist Franz Boas in 1887, thereafter promoted by his students. Cultural relativism is a theoretical framework that posits the absence of a universally applicable criterion for evaluating cultures. It asserts that cultural values and beliefs should be comprehended in relation to their specific cultural milieu, rather than being evaluated in accordance with external norms and standards. Advocates of cultural relativism contend that the standards and principles of one culture should not be assessed based on the standards and principles of another. According to Cherry and Marsh (2023), Cultural relativism seeks to foster acceptance, tolerance, and a respect for a wide range of cultural ideas and practices. There are no universally applicable ethical or moral truths that apply to all individuals in every circumstance. The determination of what is deemed right and wrong is contingent upon the moral rules established by society.

The theory of cultural relativism is crucial for this study as it will provide the researcher with a framework to impartially analyze, deliberate, and record the religious implications of customary marriage ceremonies. Moreover, this will compel the researcher to solely depict Iteso’s religious encounters with marriage ceremonies in an unbiased manner, thereby presenting the authentic religious framework of Iteso in connection with cultural customs associated with matrimony.

1.9   Limitations to the study

These are the anticipated barriers that may deter the research process. Below are some of them.

It is expected that the following shall deter the smooth process of the study:

Poor Time management: the researcher anticipates that due to busy work schedules, it is likely to become hard balancing work and the research process which is also very demanding.

Poor electronic services in the area. The researcher will have a challenge in getting efficient computer services which can help in the process of typesetting, making analysis of data, printing out work done, etcetera.

Financial constraints. Due to the long distance between Kyambogo University and Katakwi district then to the researcher’s work place in Iganga, it is expected that the entire process of study shall become costly.

1.10 Delimitations of the study

Delimitations in the context of this study means strategies that the researcher expects to apply so as to overcome the barriers named above.

Poor time management: the researcher intends to draw accurate time table for the routine activities so as to ensure balance in available time.

Shortage of funds: To address the financial constraints associated with the distance between Kyambogo University, Katakwi and Iganga District, the researcher will save some money to secure accommodation in the study area for the short duration of the study.

Poor computer services: Given the potential challenges with electronic services in Usuk County, the researcher will adopt alternative measures such as buying a personal computer etc.