Guest on the line: Mme Maliau Makhoa from Mara A Basotho

 

The 1st of August marks the New Year celebration for Basotho (Selemo sa Basotho). The observation of the 1st of August as a new year by the Basotho people is in in recognition of nature’s giving way to new life after the dry season, commonly known as winter season according to Gregorian calendar, relying on the position of the moon, the natural indicator of the season rotation.

 

The Basotho calendar commences after the last days of winter season in August/Phato known for blowing winds, clearing Mother Earth and refreshing the land with showers of spring. The Basotho people celebrate the beginning of the year with different rituals such as Mokete wa lewa, during which celebrations commence after harvesting, to thank God and the Ancestors for the food harvested.