We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Dual Natures in Folktales Around the World – opposites, contradictions & paradoxes.
HARAMBEE-
From Tanzania, Swahili word “Harambee” means “all pull together”
Swahili is spoken in more than 12 countries in East Africa including: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Comoros. In fact, this language has grown in use. The word “Harambee” is a cheer and celebration meaning “all pull together.”
Tanzania is a wonderful country to see the animals through “game spotting.” The biggest parks in Africa to do so are here. Consider the many animals featured in this story called “The Pull-Together Morning” or sometimes known as “Harambee.”
What is so fascinating? What dualities have surfaced?
This is a story of bringing light to the world. That automatically has the light/dark theme. I find it interesting that it was not simply dark but that people argued with each other. Thus, light brings peace and darkness brings contention.
We meet the King of the Sky People. To the spider, mouse, and fly, he appears to be helpful. Yet, he does not want to give up the light and gives tests hoping that they will fail. This two-faced King will see what happens when you appear fair and really are not.
50-word-or-less summary:
World dark. People argued. Lion called meeting. Leopard noticed crack in sky when it rains. Crawl to crack in sky? Mouse, spider, and fly volunteer. “Harambee!” Sky People King plans tests. Fly overhears. Passed! Choose which of two boxes has light. Red box pops out rooster. “Harambee!” Sun appears.
Finding the Story:
Book where you can find “The Pull-Together Morning” – found here
Online adapted version of “The Pull-Together Morning – found here
Ms. Carol at Waldorf Kindergarten and Nursery performs story – found here
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See quick list of programs here.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has been “dual” in our offerings of our hybrid summit & festival on May 9-12, 2022 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; Youth, Educators, Storytellers (YES); City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Clever Octopus; Desert High Brain Trust; and people like you.