Ode to the Mangosi

The ritual dates back to centuries ago, when the Teachings of the Disciple were not yet commonplace in Flavea. Instead, people believed fairies and spirits of nature had the power over anything and everything. Getting on their good side was a guarantee for good fortune, but angering them meant inviting mischief and calamity. When it came to the farmers, some of the most important spirits to have around were the Mangosi.

There have always been a lot of mangrove trees in Flavea. Stories spread quickly that cutting them down would make the surrounding area susceptible to plagues, or flooded or barren. There were powerful spirits living in those trees, called the Mangosi. They could be cruel and vindictive when they lost their home, but as long as the tree was kept safe and thriving, they did not mind sharing its fruits. In fact, when entertained in their desires for play and singing and dancing, they could even attract pollinators to nearby fields. Thus the locals started a tradition every spring. When the first crop's flowers are blooming, they bring an Ode to the Mangosi. A grand feast, with candies and music, and a dance performed by a chosen few young people.

Over the years the ritual has become an honoured tradition, even after the majority stopped believing in the power of fairies and started following the Teachings of the Disciple. The dance is now more a performance for villagers and visitors to enjoy. The festival that has grown around it, is a celebration of the warmer days and sweeter times to come.

Even though the classic Ode to the Mangosi is quite different, the main performance nowadays goes as follows. The dance takes place on the first day after the full moon of Spring Dusk. At the height of noon, come rain or sun, a procession starts at the town or village square. The people wear bright flowing gowns and tunics, ringing small bells and blowing bird whistles. The further they march, the louder they get. They start singing and chanting, imitating each others movements. By the time they reached a designated mango tree, the procession will have descended into frivolous chaos.

Then, on cue from a leader, a group of twelve people chosen to perform the dance that year, starts the dance that takes all year to practice. The rest of the procession play music, clap or sing. The dance is quite demanding in body strength, balance and flexibility. It is actually more of an acrobatics routine than a dance. It originated as an imitation of frolicking fairies, flipping and jumping and volting through the air. Long ribbons are waved about, mesmerizing the audience, directing their attention until the next stunt is performed.

This continues for about half an hour, after which the grand bell is tolled. Every time it is wrung, people should cheer as loud as they can, reaching a crescendo at the twelth.