Lango Cultural Foundation

Promoting the Male Child cleansing ritual, the way of curing impotence in children and young men in Lango

Whenever a male child is born in the Lango community, it is forbidden for the mother and other female handlers to touch the genitals when bathing or cleaning him up. It takes some expertise to clean without touching. This was special expertise by traditional birth attendants who knew the rules of the ritual well.  As part of the rituals, other males – including the father- were not allowed into the hut (maternity ward) which would be cordoned off with a vine of “Bomo” for three days. It is the very vine used in celebrations whenever the birth of twins occurs in the community. A boy child is celebrated for three days, while a female child stays inside for four days.

Later when the boy is growing up, the community monitors whether he is growing up well – including his manhood growth. Should they notice any defects such as the inability to urinate “straight”, or occasionally “stand up”, (erect penis), then the male child cleansing is immediately embarked upon. Sometimes, the defect would not be noticed till late in puberty, or even early marriage life when the spouse would reveal the ‘defect’.

At any stage it is noticed, the community Aunties would assemble and plan for the ceremony of “cleansing” the boy. Essentially it is the re-enactment of the three days of a male-child’s birth. It includes counselling the boy for him to appreciate the gravity of his condition, and the remedy needed to be performed. The mother and family as well are generally counselled to prepare for the three-day ceremony. The boy behaves like a newborn – sitting naked on the lap of the mother who keeps nursing the baby.

Initially, it is a family secret to avoid a lot of attention and possibly scare to the boy. By the second and third (last) day, the information slowly filters through the family into the village and community. By the end of the ceremony, it is public rejoicing and celebration, during which pigeon peas sauce (Apena) well prepared in shea nut oil and millet bread is served, first the mother and child – accompanied by symbolism such as touching the foreheads, and shoulders and hands (known as “gwelo”) before putting it in their mouths. Thereafter, everyone else would serve themselves. Also, local beer (Kongo Lango) which takes three days to “mature” is then served to the elders – amidst prayers of “Jojok Amalo – Wan Omito Kuc, Yotkom kede Nyodo” – i.e Glory to the High God – we pray for Peace, good health and fertility”.

It is amazing that in nearly 100% of cases performed, the result is instant and perfect; the boys go back to full manhood. Testimonies by the “patients” as well as the spouses (if married), or acquaintances reveal a huge turnaround. Imat Anjulina, a mother in Abongomola sub-county narrated thus, “My son Michael was not ok. His wife kept complaining to me that he was weak in bed. I quickly realized something was amiss. We organized and performed the ceremony. Now Michael is producing “like a river”. He has a second wife and every year, I see two grandchildren. The women are competing. I am now a happy Grandmother. Mothers, if you notice that your child is sick, don’t waste time; take him back inside. Male child cleansing is real and very effective”

Joseph, a survivor from Dokolo sub-county recounted thus, “I used not to understand myself. I would develop feelings about girls, but “my man” would not respond. A girl once visited me, but the whole night, nothing happened – however hard I tried. The next morning, I told my Mum the ordeal I had been going through. Within a week, she consulted with her friends and a ceremony was performed. I was instructed on everything. I knew that was the only way to cure me, so I prepared for it. After the ceremony, it took a few days, then I felt like a wave swept through me – like when the electricity comes back, and every system is back to life. Since then, I am now heading a happy family of three children from one mother. Male child cleansing is real; I am living testimony”.

Lango Cultural Foundation is now focusing on how to document and promote this unique Intangible Cultural Heritage and is very keen to explore if it would be applicable in other communities.

Narration by Mr. Patrick Abal, Minister for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Lango Cultural Foundation.