One of the phenomena that sometimes surpass the human understanding is the birth of two babies or even more at the same time. It is often seen, a pregnant woman giving birth to one, two, three or even four babies at the same time. Even science can not explain exactly why the zygote which becomes an embryo, then a fetus and gives a single child, is split in two in some cases.
In Africa, and particularly in some communities in Togo, these beings, the twins, receive special treatment from family members. They are almost deified and some do not hesitate to adore them. This explains the numerous ceremonies held for them at their birth, especially when one of them "went to fetch firewood", as is said in some communities in southern Togo, To say that he died.
Scientific explanation of the birth of twins
Science notes that there are false twins and truths. In the first case, the two people are not physically alike. According to Folly Poovi, a reproductive health specialist, in principle, the ovaries release one egg per month. They sometimes release two that are fertilized by two different spermatozoids during the same sexual intercourse. The two cells (which are in principle eggs) continue their journey to the uterine mucosa, where they are implanted. Each embryo develops its own placenta, and its own amniotic pocket. The two embryos grow side by side, with their own annexes, without any communication between them. These children are born with a different genetic heritage. The true twins come from the same egg-cell, therefore from the same ovum and the same spermatozoid. Normally, and in 97% of cases, the zygote thus formed gives only one embryo. However, at some point, and for no apparent reason, this zygote will divide into two and give two embryos: they are called true twins. Depending on the cleavage date, several cases of different twin developmental patterns are obtained, which can sometimes pose a risk for future babies.
Despite the existence of these scientifically demonstrable phenomena, scientists still do not fully understand the mechanisms that favor the birth of twins. To date, therefore, maternal or environmental factors that may increase their frequency have not been identified with certainty. This is what would explain, according to many observers, the mystery surrounding the twins in communities in Togo.
The presence of twins in communities in southern Togo
In Africa, especially in Togo, tradition can not explain the birth of twins. It is believed that these are demi-gods that must be venerated by practices that are sometimes unusual. Among the watchi, they are called "venovi" or "venoviwo" (plural). Southern Togo is known for the flowering of these multiple births, according to the anthropologist Didier Apeto.
In the recent past, these babies, considered as extraordinarily mysterious beings, do not stay long in the families that welcome them. Either one of them "goes to fetch firewood", or they are both. This leads us to resort to the service of soothsayers who, in the early hours of their coming into the world, must question them. "Foreigners, you do not have names yet, have you come to visit us or are you staying with us? If it is to visit us, you can leave immediately, but if it is to be of ours, you are welcome "; This is the formula by which the soothsayer addresses the twins. Prior to this, children should be given first names to find out who is the oldest (since this does not necessarily depend on who first came out). The diviner will take care to determine "the tree from which the babies have descended".
Many other ceremonies are made to welcome twins in a family. They are beings to be taken care of, otherwise they return to the tree from which they have descended (to die), according to Paul Messanvi's explanations of the Pedah community. And if it happens that these twins die, the parents are forbidden to cry, lest they become angry, since in reality, according to tradition, they are still very close to the living. "To show their presence among humans, they must be represented by a statuette. In her movements, the mother must keep on her this statuette. At home, at the time of the meal, one must leave in a dish, in front of the statuette, some of the food that the soul of the child will come to eat, "he says. In case the mother also dies, a member of the family is chosen to continue feeding the children through the statuettes. "I saw these kinds of adoration at my grandmother's in the village when I was little. If she inadvertently drops the statuette, she starts by moaning or whining almost by saying that she hurt the wood. She raises the statue at face height, gives it a kiss and presents a thousand times apologies. It amused me when I saw that. Very late in the evening, she goes to the statuette to ask if she is full or if she can pick up the rest of the meal. She did all this with a spirit of adoration that left me amazed, "adds Paul Messanvi.
In some communities, an altar is raised to twins (even alive). This altar is called "venovikpo" among the watchi. A whole rite precedes the elevation of the altar. It is therefore the duty of the parents to do so to allow the souls of the babies to come and drink and eat on the altar. This consists of terracotta, large calabashes, a sum of CFAF 105, a small traditional knife, shells of cowries, a palm branch, white, red and black cloth, Two cocks or two hens, according to the sex of the babies, a liter of palm oil and red bean. It is the godfather of the children, himself twin, who is busy making the altar.
In country kabyè
Kpatcha, Naka, Toyi, Tchao, Sama, Nèmè are, among other names given to the twins among the kabyè. It is the twins who, according to Akezou-Lelou, researcher on Kabyè culture, choose their parents. "It is not given to anyone to give birth to twins," he says. He added: "Twins always have requirements. When they do not go, they are invoked, they come and they talk ... Generally, they are the ones who give the demands and they execute. " And as in other communities, among the Kabyè also, "When the twins come into the world, he who comes first is not the first."
Today, all these considerations are no longer taken into account, especially with the modernization and flowering of Christian religions. Many people find it unnecessary to waste their time in ceremonies that ultimately give the impression of making them slaves for other gods than the Creator God. However, we must "recognize that the mysteries of Africa remain, and Togo is full of these rites which are the very expression of the diversity of its culture, a culture well appreciated beyond the borders", concludes Paul Messanvi.
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