The African culture cherishes generosity, sharing not just food and space but also time with family and community. Ubuntu, the belief in ‘I am because we are,’ resonates deeply. What better time to showcase this spirit than during the festive season? As our incomes rise, we’ve grown more self-centered, despite having more. To guide our children better, let’s embrace the African spirit of Ubuntu this Christmas. Teaching them to care for others will help them make a positive difference in the world.
Ubuntu Tips during Christmas
- Perform a daily act of kindness
- Brighten someone’s day with a smile
- Cook an additional meal for someone in need
- Donate gently used clothes and shoes
- Create crafts from recycled materials to aid the homeless
- Back local businesses by purchasing local products and services
Why should we embrace the African Spirit of Ubuntu this Christmas?
Even toddlers, as young as a year and a half, show a natural inclination towards generosity, and parental influence helps reinforce this trait. A study found that children under two were happier when giving treats to a puppet than receiving treats themselves (Allen 2018). So, why should we teach children to be generous?
Ubuntu means connecting with others. In many African languages, it shows that we exist because of others. A famous Zulu saying, “ubuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, reflects this idea. Sayings like “I am because we are” and “I am human because I belong” show this too. In African thinking, being human means saying, “I take part, so I am.” In Western thinking, it’s more like saying, “I think, so I am.”
This is a strong statement during Christmas, when families meet to celebrate together, and catch up after a long year. It is an opportunity to lift your brother, sister, and neighbors, sharing the little available. Different words describe what ubuntu is all about.
Some include sympathy, compassion, generosity, kindness, and harmony. Ubuntu stands against revenge, confrontation, and payback. It values life, dignity, compassion, and bringing people together in peace and understanding. Christmas is a celebration about the birth of Jesus, a child God gave to the world to save them from sin, and bring peace to everyone. Therefore, no better way to celebrate the day with the spirit of Ubuntu.
1. Ubuntu the African Spirituality as promoted by Desmond Tutu
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, a major advocate for ubuntu, offered a compelling view of this philosophy. He believed that ubuntu represents the core of African spirituality. Tutu highlighted that while Western countries have introduced economic ideologies like capitalism to the world, Africa’s significant contribution lies in the social ethic of ubuntu. According to the Nobel Laureate, ubuntu embodies the essence of humanity. He emphasized that the strength of ubuntu grants people resilience, allowing them to retain their humanity despite attempts to strip it away (Tutu, 2000).
While this spirit is embedded in the daily lives of Africans, Christmas is a unique period to extend it further. The spirit of kindness and compassion defines Christmas, as well as Ubuntu.
2. As a show of Faith and Belief in God
In the Christian faith, giving is encouraged as an act of faith in God. According to Matthew 24:40, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ This implies that every act of giving to those less fortunate is considered as giving to God.
3. Resource Allocation Globally
As outlined in the Global Wealth Report, the cumulative global net wealth reached $431 trillion in 2020 and is anticipated to increase by $65 trillion over the coming five years. A significant portion of this wealth remains under the control of the top 10 ultra-wealthy families.
Promoting wealth redistribution through giving ensures that the less privileged also benefit. Teaching children about generosity can solidify the notion that being generous also provides opportunities for those in need.
4. Enhanced Quality of Life
Generosity correlates with improved mental and physical well-being as well as overall happiness and longevity. Individuals inclined toward generosity tend to experience greater peace, fulfilment, reduced stress, heightened happiness, and increased productivity in their lives. Winston Churchill encapsulated it aptly: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Bottomline
During this Christmas, embrace Ubuntu, by showing compassion, kindness, cooperation, and respect to your neighbor, friend, relative, and even that stranger you don’t know.