Les logiques socioculturelles des rites de la sexualité à l’Ouest Cameroun : cas des rites de veuvage a BABADJOU.

Abstract

The question of the practice of widowhood rites, also known as emptying rites, remains a concern within Western traditions and elsewhere. On the one hand, some believe that these rites should be suppressed, believing they are tortures. On the other hand, others insist that they are an essential aspect of the tradition and that their effects are only beneficial to the subject of these rites. Nevertheless, many people disregard this rule, both women who refuse to perform it and men who spare their wives from this detail after their death. However, this does not prevent the rites from continuing to be practiced or even from being appreciated by a good majority. We are led to wonder about the social and cultural logic of widowhood rites in a specific culture of West Cameroon: Babadjou. The objective of this study is to understand the socio-cultural logic of widowhood rites in Babadjou. To achieve this, we started from documentary research which was a synthesis work that led to a field study with a guided interview and data collection tools and ended with a qualitative analysis and interpretation of the collected data using well indicated theories. As a result of this approach, we were able to describe the evolution of widowhood rites, understand their real meaning despite the complaints they raise, and highlight the changes they have undergone over the years. This research shows that widowhood rites are put in place to ennoble the bereaved and support them during the grieving period. In addition, they are an opportunity for the individual to reaffirm his or her belonging to the Babadjou culture and for the population to show love. However, changes and practices have been observed that tend to contradict this primary aim and darken the aspect of this cultural element, and it is therefore necessary to denounce them and ensure that they are followed up. In addition, these have been groomed to find a place in today's modern world. Although there is still a long way to go, efforts are being made in this direction. Finally, it is important to emphasize that disciplinary measures be implemented and established as a universal rule to protect the widow or widower during widowhood so that no one overlooks them. Further, the guarantors of the tradition should re-examine the essence of the rite and ensure that it no longer contains any elements or distortions that could divert it away from its intended goal.