Vandals Tidbits: Father Bacchus and Other gods - I.K.Gyasi shares

 

Vandals Tidbits: Father Bacchus and Other gods - I.K.Gyasi shares 

Following the enlightening and exciting series shared by one of the ancient Vandals, Mr. I.K. Gyasi, former Old Vandals Association (OVA) Chairman of the Ashanti Region, he recounts the fascinating story about Vandalism the culture and unravel some of the mythology often misconstrued by many. 

This episode focuses on the Greek god Bacchus and Herme craftily affixed in Commonwealth Hall as well as the rationale behind poring libations in the Hall.

TIDBITS ABOUT VANDAL CITY- FATHER BACCHUS AND OTHER GODS: APPEARANCE VS REALITY

During the observance of Vandals Day as part of the celebration of the Hall Week, a visitor to Commonwealth Hall(Vandal City) could be forgiven for thinking the Hall is a place for 'traditional' worship. 

Among other rituals, libation is poured at a place supposed to have the cast head of Bacchus, the ancient Roman god of agriculture, fertility, wine and relaxation. If the visitor raises his head or climbs up the steps leading to the Central Court, he will see the statue of Hermes, an ancient Greek god who was also the Chief Messenger of the Greek gods, especially of Zeus, the acknowledged head of the Greek gods. Do Vandals worship gods? Far from it. 

Of course, it is true that, historically, those who were known as the Vandals in the Hall, adopted a serious drinking habit.

One Vandal who called himself 'Holy Devil', wrote, "Aside from their achievements, it is true that the Vandals drink, and when their eyes get glassed over, no one expects them to behave like a Supreme Court judge." (ECHO. Vol.2. October 21, 1961).

K.A. Sarpong(Shawcross) also wrote, "We have sometimes engaged in huge drinking orgies, the ramifications of which have at times been disastrous. Again, we have at times engaged in pranks that have embarrassed people."(ECHO. Vol.19. No.3, January 29, 1966).

Also writing on the behaviour of the Vandals, Mr. Moses also stated, "Let the Vandals keep to their boozing, garrulity and decadence. Vandalism has outlived its usefulness."(ECHO.Vol. 12. No.2, November 9, 1963).

At the initial stages of the University(then known as the University College of the Gold Coast),  one of the popular courses was the Classics, which dealt with the languages, mythologies and civilisations of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. It would not come as a surprise that the Vandals should adopt Bacchus as their patron 'saint'.

It does not mean that the Vandals were idol worshippers.

Members of the Hall Council also seemed to be interested Art and the Performing Arts. 

In 1958, the Council formed a Works of Art Fund.  E.N.B. Larbie was made the Hall Organist. A committee of the Art Fund bought the statue of Hermes.

In Ancient Greek mythology, Hermes(known the Ancient Romans as Mercury), was depicted as wearing winged sandals, a winged hat, and carried a magic wand with two snakes coiled round it with with wings. The staff was known as caduceus.

Hermes was depicted as handsome, and as having the powers of an Olympian: superlative strength, durability, stamina, agility and sharp reflexes. He was also said to be immortal and resistant to diseases. He was faster than all the other gods. When people died, he conducted their souls to the other life. 

The statue in the Hall was originally placed near the Hall Library.

Mr. J. R. Lander, the Senior Tutor, presented a mask made of lead. The mask became identified as Bacchus. It is a pity that the original mask presented by Mr. Lander was criminally and clandestinely removed by some misguided elements of a particular religious faith. What is there today is a poor replacement of what Mr. Lander presented to the Hall.

Professor G. Walton, the Vice Hall Master, also presented reproductions of famous paintings, as well as pictures of Chinese acrobats who stayed in the Hall for a short period. The Hall also received a gift of two peacocks, a male and a female. They also produced two chicks, a male and a female. Unfortunately, the birds made so much noise that they were taken to Government House.

V-Mates, students of the Hall belong to different religious faiths. The Hall has a non-denominational chapel. What you see on Vandals Day is not idol worship, just relaxation and youthful enthusiasm. The history behind is what has been presented. Please, forgive the lengthy presentation.

By: I.K. Gyasi