Justice

In the Babemba tribe of South Africa, when a person acts irresponsibly or unjustly, they are placed in the center of the village, alone and unfettered. All work ceases, and every man, woman and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused individual.

Then each person in the tribe, regardless of age, begins to talk out loud to the accused, one at a time, about all the good things the person in the center of the circle has done in their lifetime.

Every incident, every experience that can be recalled with any detail and accuracy is recounted. All the positive attributes, good deeds, strengths and kindnesses are recited carefully and at length. No one is permitted to fabricate, exaggerate or be facetious about the person’s accomplishments or the positive aspects of their personality.

The tribal ceremony often lasts several days and does not cease until everyone is drained of every positive comment they can muster about the person in question.

At the end, the tribal circle is broken, a joyous celebration takes place, and the person is symbolically and literally welcomed back into the tribe.

From Seasons of the Soul 1999