African Food and Art

Thank you to our latest donor, Tony. Thank you, Tony. We were able to purchase three new stainless steel pots to continue our cooking and teaching heritage.

Swimming with the Kingdom of Laluba Mermaids

Swimming with the Kingdom of Laluba Mermaids African Folktale emphasizes the power of kindness, positivity, and openness to new experiences, and encourages us to embrace the natural world as a source of wonder and peace.

Swimming with the Mermaids teaches it's important to be open-minded and willing to try new things. Ujua was hesitant to go to the underwater kingdom at first, but she eventually took a chance and found happiness there and now Ujua's legacy is bringing joy to the mermaids showing that her kindness and positivity had a lasting impact.

Swimming with the Mermaids African Folktale
Ujua the River Mermaid

Swimming with the Mermaids: Ujua's Adventure in the River.

As the elders say, there was a woman named Ujua who lived in a small fishing town in Ghana. She was known for her constant grumpiness and bad temper, and no matter what anyone did to make her happy, she was never satisfied. Her sour disposition made everyone around her miserable, and they often avoided her company.

One day, Ujua went to the Naserian Enkare river to fish, hoping that it would cheer her up. As she was casting her line, she noticed a beautiful mermaid swimming towards her. Ujua was initially frightened, but the mermaid assured her that she meant no harm. The mermaid asked Ujua why she was so unhappy, and Ujua poured out her heart to the mermaid, telling her about all her problems.

The mermaid listened patiently and then offered to take Ujua with her to the underground mermaid kingdom of Laluba, where she could find peace and happiness. Ujua was hesitant at first but eventually agreed to go with the mermaid.

When they arrived at Laluba, Ujua was amazed by the beauty of the underwater kingdom. The mermaids welcomed her with open arms and showed her around. She saw coral reefs, schools of fish, and other wondrous sea creatures that she had never seen before.

Ujua was given a beautiful underwater home, and she began to feel happy for the first time in her life. She spent her days swimming with the mermaids, exploring the ocean, and learning about the underwater world. She no longer felt the need to make other people around her miserable because she was finally content and at peace.

Years passed, and Ujua grew old. The mermaids held a grand ceremony to celebrate her life, and they told stories about how she had brought joy and happiness to their kingdom. Ujua passed away, but her legacy lived on in the hearts of the mermaids who had come to love her.

From that day on, whenever a grumpy person came to the river, the mermaids would appear to them and offer to take them to Laluba. And just like Ujua, these people would find peace and happiness living amongst the mermaids.

Kingdom of Laluba Mermaid
Kingdom of Laluba Mermaid.

There is beauty and wonder in the natural world, and we can find peace and happiness by immersing ourselves in it. Ujua found happiness by exploring the underwater world and learning about the mermaids and the Naserian Enkare river secret to happiness. Sometimes, unexpected encounters can lead to life-changing experiences. 

The natural world is full of beauty and wonder, and exploring it can bring a sense of peace and awe that is hard to find in other places. Rivers, oceans, forests, and trees are just a few examples of the many wonders that nature has to offer. Rivers are some of the most fascinating natural features on our planet. They flow through landscapes and connect bodies of water, providing essential habitats for many plant and animal species including mermaids. 

The natural world is a source of endless beauty and wonder, and exploring its many wonders can be a deeply enriching and rewarding experience. From rivers and oceans to forests and trees, the natural world is a treasure trove of sights, sounds, and experiences just waiting to be discovered.

Naserian Enkare river mermaid.
Naserian Enkare river mermaid.


More links to articles you will find thought provoking.

Tasting African History Through Street Food African proverbs are to speech what salt is to food What is a person from Africa called

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you for the comment.

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

Image
How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
Learn More About Africa

Human Rights vs Local Customs

Image
Aligning global human rights standards with local customs regulating child marriages in Nigeria requires a sensitive and respectful approach from the international community. According to Emory university, study on laws in Nigeria, there are three types of legal systems customary, Islamic and English style law. Local customary laws reflect the history, values, and beliefs passed down through generations playing an important role in shaping the social, cultural, and moral fabric of a community.  In many states in Nigeria, Islamic laws govern all aspects of life, such as marriage, family structures, and community interactions, and are seen as vital for maintaining social harmony and order.  Both these customary laws also serve as mechanisms for resolving disputes, preserving traditions, and sustaining community bonds. Local and Islamic customs are important and can sometimes clash with English style human rights laws and principles.  For instance, practices like child marri...
Learn More About Africa

Almond Milk Sweet Yam Pie

Image
Here at the African Gourmet food forest as a proud yam farmer I’ve spent my life growing and harvesting the finest yams straight from Gods’ good earth.  It’s a special treat cooking with fresh yams as they are sweeter, richer, and carry the essence of the soil and sun. When you use fresh yams in your recipes, like our Almond Milk Sweet Yam Pie , you are tasting a sweet dessert dish but using the natural flavor and texture that only freshly harvested yams provide. Unlike canned yams that come packed in syrup and lose their naturalness during processing, fresh yams retain their vibrant wholesome flavor, nutrients, and velvety texture.  Fresh Yams are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them not only delicious but also nourishing.  When you bite into this sweet yam pie every mouthful carries the authenticity of farm-to-table goodness, a connection to the land, and the care that goes into growing these golden treasures. So roll up your sleeves, grab some fresh yams...
Learn More About Africa

African Proverbs and Folktale on Saying Thank You, Gratitude and Kindness

Image
A thankful heart is a magnet for miracles, attracting blessings from unseen realms. - African Proverb Chic African Culture Africa Factbook and The African Gourmet are dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of African cuisine and art across different African cultures. We deeply value your ongoing support over the years.  Discover interesting and enlightening facts about Africa and its 54 distinct and diverse countries, each with its unique challenges and inspiring stories. Immerse yourself in the richness of African culture, including food, recipes, news, photos, and travel. Learn about the 54 African countries, their people, tribes, and communities.  The river of blessings flows abundantly through the valley of gratitude. - African Proverb Thank You African Proverbs and Folktale One can repay the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind. A grateful heart is a wellspring of blessings, nourishing the soul and attracting abu...
Learn More About Africa