Returning the Knife

by Gerald Kithinji

Published 25 February 2009
This is a traditional story written by a well-known author from Zimbabwe. It tells of a village preparing for a celebration and a young boy who is not sure what the celebration is about. He observes as the people of the village prepare food, sing songs and dance. During the celebration, he watches as his parents are honoured by the chief and the knife which his father used to slaughter a bull for his wedding is returned to him to proclaim him an elder of the tribe.

Harvest Festival

by Gerald Kithinji

Published 26 February 2009
This is a fairly traditional story set in Kenya, East Africa. It tells of a farming community who give thanks when they have a good harvest by having a harvest festival. At the festival, the community dances, plays games and eats a large meal together. They also say prayers to give thanks for the harvest and to ask for good harvests in the future.