Old Woman Wisdom

The year was 6000 BC.

The old woman saw all the people of her tribe dancing around the fire till they almost dropped exhausted. She was pleased.

The tribe chief was a young man with hot blood in his veins. Through his leadership, they won the battle with their neighbouring tribe and the last few weeks had been pure gluttony. People wanted to celebrate as their battle was long and hard. The neighbouring tribe were worthy foes. The people feasted in celebration of the victory. People ate the cattle owned by the neighbouring tribe and took away their wine. This tribe had a sweet from the long tall grass which they would crush the juice and dry up to tiny crystals of sweet. The winning tribe grabbed all of that too. Men, women and children feasted like they never had before.

The old wise woman of the village frowned. This much feasting was not good for anybody. They splurged on wine, meat and sugars. She knew if they kept this up, they will become very sick in the stomach and other internal organs.

She went into her hut at the edge of the tribe and meditated, asking what can be done to stop the madness. She sat very still and straight. Others had seen her go into her hut and knew that she was not be disturbed.

She opened her eyes after 6 hours, she knew the answer to the problem. Toxins had developed into their bodies, they had to be removed.

She went to the tribe chief and told him loudly, "I have been with the Gods and they are very pleased with you and your strength. They applaud your victory and will grant you many more successes!" She paused so that the crowd of people who had gathered around them could cheer!

"Yes! Yes! But the Gods want to see your happiness!" She said after the cheering died down.

"We can have more food and drink!!" someone yelled! "We can show them how much we can enjoy!"

The old woman shook her head, "They have already seen that they want to see your happiness from within! They have told me to take the skin of the cattle of your vanquished enemies and pull it taunt around a hollow stump on both sides and then you have to beat it and make the sound around the sacred fire which will move upwards towards them. And then all of you who have partaken in the feasting must move your arms and legs around the fire round and round until your singing reaches their ears. This will take at least one entire night. This is what the Gods want! They want to be able to hear and see your happiness for your victory!!!!"

The young tribe chief was very pleased with the idea, and he let out a victory cry! And everyone joined in. "Let's build the fire, we dance tonight!!"

They danced and danced the whole night, sweating out all the toxins they had accumulated in their bodies by excessive drinking and eating.

The old woman saw all the people of her tribe dancing around the fire till they almost dropped exhausted. She was pleased and decided to make this a regular custom. - and so we have festivals where we dance traditional dances.