Scent of the Bloom

The traditional concept of creativity and bloom in African communities refers to a gift from the divine; often seen as a privilege to be able to create. This is due to the religious nature of African communities, and the belief that the divine is the ultimate creator bringing forth The Scent of the Bloom. In most African traditional cultures as in the Amiiru people, women are symbols of creation and beauty like a garden of flowers due to their role in giving life. Fertility was highly valued and rituals surrounding pregnancy and childbirth emphasized the creative power of women as life givers, women would have their bodies painted with colorful symbols and beaded jewelry such as waistbands. The community celebrated their bodies that brought forth life as vessels of creation that linked them to the divine.