Katonda

Katonda Africa
Literally, ‘creator’. The Ganda, an East African tribe with a strong monarchical tradition, conceive of their supreme deity's authority in ancestral terms. He is the father of the gods living in heaven, just as the first king is the father of the men living on earth. The Ganda believe in the profound influence of the dead on the living. Great care is taken to ensure that the ghosts of sorcerers, suicides, and abnormal births cannot return to cause trouble. Ghosts of past rulers and outstanding men, sometimes considered to be incarnate in certain animals, are looked upon as guardian spirits. Elaborate rituals surround the cult of dead kings, while ordinary ancestors are offered beer and warmth.

Katonda is Lissoddene, ‘the big eye’ in the sky. He is Kagingo, ‘master of life’; Ssewannaku, ‘the eternal’; Lugaba, ‘giver’; Ssebintu, ‘master of all things’; Nnyiniggulu, ‘lord of heaven’; Namuginga, ‘he who...

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