The Sacred Puberty Rite of the Krobos We wonder how many rites you know in Africa.
Krobos is an ethnic group in Ghana, western Africa. It’s evident that the continent has numerous rites we may not be able to count. But that of the Krobos rings a bell, and they celebrate puberty rite.
You would love to know, this rite ushers a maiden into womanhood, and it is a sacred process, and the Krobos respect and honor this rite.
This rite is called ‘Dipo,’ A maiden in whom the Dipo has being carried upon is called ‘Dipo-yo.’ There was a time it was a taboo for girls to get pregnant without the ‘Dipo.’ A maiden who gets pregnant without the rite is severely punished. Most times, she is banished from Krobo because it’s considered an abomination.
The rite announcement is always made on behalf of Nene Kloweku, the Earth goddess. Parents submit their daughters’ names whenever the rite is announced. It usually takes place in February, but that has changed since Easter has become the most preferred time.
Sundays or Thursday are mostly the days that Nene Kloweku holds in high esteem. These two days are when the rite can be performed.