Ukanyu – The drink of the gods

From the sacred tree comes the spirit drink. Ukanyu, called it the ronga who make it the ritual of evocation and renewal of energy. A procession for what comes in the future. But let’s start with the past. After all, it is in conviviality that the traditional drink from the lands of Marracuene makes perfect sense, extending, after all, throughout the province of Maputo and in some parts of Gaza. The canhú or nkanyu is a huge tree, tending to be tall and with spreading branches. In other corners of the African continent it is called marula, among us, it is canhoeiro.

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In February, the harvests are celebrated and the gods are thanked for the day-to-day struggles, won or yet to be won. This gesture of gratitude has its epicenter in the canhú. And the evocation is done at the feet of the canhoeiro. All gathered together, known and unknown, without the formalities of modern life, traditional dishes are prepared, nyangana, nyemba bean leaves, mboa or pumpkin leaves, roasted fish, peanut curry or the already known and expected hippopotamus meat from the waters of the Inkomati River, with xima, all offered by the ancestors, those who are “sleeping with God”, therefore, gentlemen and ladies of the luck of the living.

There are those who prefer the sweet canhú drink, an exotic and unique, refreshing flavor. But be careful, it contains gas, so it’s best to consume it in bites. The natives prefer it with an alcohol content. In fact, this is also how the gods order it. Let us not forget, this is the tree of spirits and the fruits are a reflection of its generosity, hence the first sip is dedicated to them. An evocation to the spirits, which the Tsongas call ku palha or mhamba.

Edição 82 JAN/FEV| Download.