Witchcraft, Oracle, and Magic Sampling the Azande Witchcraft, oracle, and magic have long been part of human culture, with different societies embracing beliefs and practices that revolve around these supernatural phenomena. One such society is the Azande, a people living in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as South Sudan and Central African Republic. The Azande consider witchcraft as a foundational aspect of their worldview. They believe that witchcraft is not simply a force used to harm others, but rather an inherent characteristic of humanity. According to their beliefs, every person possesses witchcraft, but it remains dormant until it is activated under specific circumstances. Witchcraft is seen as a means to explain misfortune, illness, death, or other unexpected events.
Greenhaven: A Pagan Tradition
Winter solstice marks the longest night of the year. Yule foods therefore emphasize things that can be stored: root vegetables and squashes, cooking apples and pears, dried or frozen foods, canned and pickled vegetables, and various meats. Warm spices revive people after a cold day. The colors red and green, blue and white, silver and gold are popular. The Yule feast is often the most spectacular spread of the year. For background information and ritual ideas, see our main Yule page.
Witchcraft is seen as a means to explain misfortune, illness, death, or other unexpected events. It is believed that witches can use their powers to harm others through spiritual attacks or manipulation of objects. One of the channels through which the Azande seek guidance and insights into the supernatural is through oracles.
Baked Acorn Squash
Ingredients:
1 acorn squash
2 pinches fine sea salt
4 tablespoons brown sugar
about 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
2 tablespoons butter cut into 4 pats
1-2 tablespoons half-and-half (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400ºF.
Cut the acorn squash in half vertically, from the stem end to the flower end. With a spoon, scoop out the seeds. Scrape the inside of the squash to remove as much of the stringy mass as possible without cutting into the flesh. Place the halves cut side up in a baking dish.
Sprinkle a pinch of fine sea salt into each squash half, spreading it around. Put 2 tablespoons of brown sugar into the hollow of each half. Sprinkle generously with apple pie spice. Top with two pats of butter per squash half, which should cover most of the brown sugar.
Add about 1/2 inch of water to the baking dish so that the squash won't burn or dry out too much. Put the squash into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. When done, the flesh and rind should be soft; the flesh will be slightly translucent; and the edges of the rind should curl inward slightly.
Serving Option #1: If you wish to serve these as individual portions, allow them to cool slightly and then set the dish on the table. This works well for people who love squash and/or when this is intended as a significant part of the meal.
Serving Option #2: If you wish to serve this as a mass, you may cream the squash. Allow the squash to cool slightly. Carefully lift one half and pour any liquid filling into a medium serving bowl. Scrape the flesh out of the squash and into the bowl. Repeat with the second half of the squash. Mash the squash well with a potato masher, or use a mixer on low speed. Add 1-2 tablespoons of half-and-half, then mash again. Serve.
This serves 2-4 people, depending on how much you like squash.
Notes:
If you don't have fine sea salt, ordinary table salt will do.
I used apple pie spice because I didn't have pumpkin pie spice, which would've been my first choice. Good single spices for acorn squash include cinnamon, allspice, clove, ginger, and nutmeg. You can measure exactly if you prefer, but I find that sprinkling gives better distribution in this case.
If possible, use real butter and half-and-half for this recipe. You could try substituting margarine or milk, but the fat helps smooth and bind the squash.
This recipe would probably work with other winter squash, such as butternut. You may need to adjust the amounts used for the filling.
This recipe was originally published in The Wordsmith's Forge on 2/10/10, then revised for reprint 6/23/11.
Oracles are individuals who are believed to have a direct connection with the spiritual realm and can communicate with spirits or deities. These oracles employ various methods, such as divination with objects like bones or shells, trance states, or communal dances, to seek answers to questions or predict future events. The Azande view the oracles as intermediaries between the human and spiritual realms, offering guidance, reassurance, and protection. In addition to witchcraft and oracles, the Azande also practice magic. Magic is seen as a practical tool through which individuals can manipulate the supernatural forces for personal gain. It is believed that certain individuals, known as magicians, possess the knowledge and skills to invoke spirits, perform rituals, or create charms and spells. Magic is often used to ensure success in hunting, farming, or marriage. It is also utilized as a means of protection against witchcraft or to bring harm to those who have wronged someone. Ethnographers and anthropologists have extensively studied the Azande's belief systems and practices related to witchcraft, oracles, and magic. Their observations have shed light on the complex interplay of cultural, social, and psychological factors that underlie these phenomena. It is important to note that these beliefs and practices are deeply ingrained in the Azande society, influencing various aspects of their daily lives, decision-making processes, and social interactions. Overall, the Azande's embrace of witchcraft, oracle, and magic reflects their worldview and provides a framework for understanding the mysteries of the world around them. While these beliefs may be seen as superstitious or irrational by outsiders, they play a significant role in the Azande's cultural identity and contribute to their sense of meaning, order, and control in the face of the unknown..
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