Libation is pivotal to the development of the Christian doctrine

Dear Editor,
When I pour libation I am accessing the brain directly, of all who are present, rather than “appealing” to the physical person. The process is not a psychological one. It is neuro-cosmological. Other cultures symbolically pour water for a variety of reasons, but always as a symbolic “washing away.”
Libation is the pouring of liquid ceremoniously. Libation is poured by all cultures under different names for various occasions. Different groups have different reasons for the pouring of liquids ceremoniously.
Libation, or the pouring of liquids, is performed at ceremonies such as the launching or christening of new ships, to the christening of the new human baby.
Traditionally the christening is done by breaking a sacrificial bottle of champagne over the bow of the ship, as the ship’s name is called aloud during its launching. It is said that this is done to invite good luck.
In India for example ships were historically launched “with a Puja ceremony that dedicates the ship to a god, and seeks blessings for her and her sailor.” Presently in India ships are launched “with a lady breaking a coconut on the bow of the vessel, which is sometimes followed by a small Puja.”
In England on “4 July 2014 the Queen named the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (RO8) with a bottle of single malt Scotch whisky from the Bowmore distillery on the island of Islay instead of champagne, because the ship had been built and launched in Scotland.”
In the United States of America (USA) the Libation or Christening of ocean vessels is said to have its roots in Europe. However Libation has a long history in independent USA.
It is said that the “first description we have of an American christening is that of Constitution famous ‘Old Ironsides,’ at Boston, October 21, 1797.”
It is reported that her “sponsor, Captain James Sever, USN, stood on the weather deck at the bow. Then ‘At fifteen minutes after twelve she commenced a movement into the water with such a steadiness, majestic and exactness as to fill every heart with satisfaction of joy and delight.’ As Constitution ran out, captain Sever broke a bottle of fine old Madeira over the heel of the bowsprit.”
The historic and continuous use of Libation by the USA, is of great concern to us. It is from the USA that individuals trained as priests and pastors by the many branches of the Anglo-Saxon protestant religions, come to Guyana to tell Guyanese that Libation is evil; that it is witchcraft or Obeah.
For that reason the following is included in this paper.
Some Africans in Guyana consider Libation as “evil”. For that reason they excuse themselves from the place where libation is performed as a recognition of African ancestral culture.
The same individuals attend funeral services in churches where the priest pours water (Libation) on the coffin of the deceased. They also present their babies to the church to be “baptised” as water (Libation) is sprinkled on the young child.
In reply to the question “What is the symbolism of water baptism?” the following answer was given: Water baptism symbolises the believer’s total trust in and total reliance on Lord Jesus Christ, as well as a commitment to live obediently to him. It also expresses unity with all the saints (Ephesians 2: 19), that is, every person in every nation on earth who is a member of the Body of Christ {Galatians 3: 27-28). Water baptism conveys this and more, but it is not what saves us. Instead, we are saved through faith, apart from works (Ephesians 2: 8-9). We are baptised because our Lord commanded it.”
Africans who are Christians also believe that “Water baptism (Libation) are for believers who “must come to believe that we are sinners in need of salvation” (Romans 3: 23).
We are spending a great deal of time on baptism because it shows that Libation, instead of being alien to Christian teachings, is pivotal to the development of the Christian doctrine.
To conclude this emphasis let me present the following quotes.
What then does baptism mean?
“1 .It means we have turned from the old life of sin to a new life in Jesus Christ
2. It means we are publicly identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ
3. It means we are openly joining the ranks of those who believe in Christ
KaMaatic Africans pour Libation primarily as acknowledgement to our ancestors. In the Libation ceremony, the physical properties of waterare symbolically utilised: wash, cleanse, revive, awake, refresh, etc.”
In pouring Libation, KaMaatic (Africans) are not concerned with the Libation practices of others. However I would like to conclude by drawing attention to the expressed role of Libation (baptism) as a Christian ceremony.
It is said that baptism gives us a new life in Christ. If that were so, when Jesus was baptised, was he seeking a new life in himself? In other words, what of Moses, Abraham, David, etc? Were they baptized “in Christ?”

Yours faithfully,
Rev Dr Rudi R Guyan
Ms D, DD, Pm D