These men are called "wasumba" in their culture, and their burial rites involve special rituals that reflect deep-seated beliefs.
One of the distinct customs among various Luhya sub-tribes, including the Bukusu, Isukha, and Idakho, is the insertion of thorns into the bodies of bachelors before they are laid to rest.
This practice is believed to cleanse the deceased of any curses and ensure their acceptance by the ancestors in the afterlife.
Furthermore, wasumbas are buried in a manner that sets them apart from other deceased community members. Instead of being carried through the door like everyone else, they are taken out through a window.
This symbolic act aims to prevent their unmarried status from affecting other family members, particularly their brothers.
During these burials, mourners observe specific customs as well. Few people attend, and there is no serving of meat or food.
This solemn approach signifies societal disapproval of dying before fulfilling the cultural expectations of marriage and procreation.
Elders in the Luhya community, like Antony Tella Mwaka from Indangalasia village, emphasize the importance of marriage and parenthood.
They view dying without marrying or having children as taboo, as it goes against the community's values of continuity and family lineage.
Despite these traditions, modern challenges such as infertility are recognized as exceptions that may warrant a reconsideration of these practices.
Over time, some of these practices have evolved, and education has played a role in altering perceptions. Younger generations are increasingly questioning and adapting these traditions to fit contemporary realities while still honoring their heritage.
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