By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Telling stories around the fireside is an age-old tradition that weaves a rich tapestry of memories, connecting generations and preserving cultural heritage. In many villages in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, where life unfolds at a different rhythm, families gather each evening, drawn to the warmth of flickering flames and the promise of enchanting tales.
As Aminatua, a grandmother who has shared stories for decades, puts it, “Gathering around the fire isn’t just about warmth; it’s about connection. These tales are our heritage.”
Many of these narratives are told in local dialects, adding to their charm and authenticity. Children eagerly anticipate new episodes from their grandparents and parents, their excitement ignited by the glow of a kerosene lamp, affectionately referred to as a “bush lamp.” This simple source of light creates an atmosphere charged with anticipation and wonder.
As the sun sets and darkness envelops the village, a hushed silence settles over the landscape. Children race home, their laughter mingling with the rustle of leaves. Young and old reposition themselves in a circle around three stones that cradle the fire’s warmth. As the flames flicker, casting a dancing light over eager faces, a transformative magic fills the air.
“There’s something magical about those nights,” said nine-year-old Easter. “When the stories begin, it feels like time stands still.” The nightly ritual becomes more than just a gathering; it is a cherished tradition that binds families together. The dialogue flows freely as stories weave a sense of community.
Even as the night lingers, some tales incorporate elements of fear, sending shivers down spines and provoking gasps of excitement. These narratives can transport listeners to realms far beyond their village, creating a thrilling atmosphere charged with suspense. However, more often than not, the tales are woven with threads of joy, laughter, and valuable life lessons.
The storytellers wield a magical ability to articulate their narratives, drawing listeners into realms where the outside world fades away. “You can’t help but be captivated,” recalls Promise, now a mother of three in Yaounde, her voice softening with nostalgia. “When someone tells a story with such passion, you lean in closer, hanging onto every word.” The power of the spoken word reverberates through the warmth of the flames, enveloping everyone in a cocoon of shared experience.
For children, these tales become gateways to different worlds. Elvis, age 11, recounts her favorite stories of mythical creatures and brave heroes, vividly describing her journey through the narratives. “Every story transports me somewhere else,” she shared. Her eyes gleam with enthusiasm, revealing the depth of her imagination. “I feel like I’m there in the story, feeling everything.”
“These sessions are more than mere entertainment,” a mother said, they foster unity and belonging. Families sit side by side, their hearts and minds intertwined through shared experiences.”
As the fire pops and crackles, children not only find solace and amusement; they also learn invaluable lessons. Each story is infused with morals, guiding young listeners through life’s complexities. “I learned patience from my grandmother’s stories,” a 12-year-old Musa said via a phone conversation. “Every tale has a lesson if you listen closely.”
As time progresses, the impact of these fireside stories extends far beyond childhood. Parents, who once sat mesmerized as children, testify to the profound influence these tales have had on their lives. “These stories shaped who I am,” said Ibrahima, a father of three living in Douala. “They taught me resilience and sparked my curiosity.” As parents share these stories with their children, they weave continuity into their family narratives, reinforcing a shared identity and cultural heritage.
The echoes of these narratives do not fade as children grow. Rather, they resonate in their actions and decisions, guiding them through the complexities of adulthood. The simple act of gathering around the fire becomes a touchstone for understanding not only the past but also the present and future. “Storytelling is like a map of my ancestors,” Ibrahima reflected. “It guides me as I navigate life.”
The breadth of stories is vast—each narrative is a window into the community’s history, culture, and values. Traditional tales often recount the struggles and triumphs of ancestors, laying a foundation for understanding resilience and hope. “Every tale tells a piece of our history,” Amina reflected. “It’s how we remember who we are.”
This tradition of storytelling serves as a generational bridge, connecting young and old alike. “When I tell stories to my children, it feels like I am also telling them my own experiences, my dreams,” said Emelda’s father, Edwin. “I want them to remember who they are and where they come from.” The stories become conduits for wisdom, allowing older generations to impart their knowledge, values, and experiences to the youth.
However, the winds of change have swept through the fabric of tradition. In our modern world, where technology reigns and the relentless pursuit of success consumes many, these fireside gatherings have dwindled. While some parents valiantly cling to the past, ensuring their children experience the wonder of storytelling, many succumb to the pressures of a fast-paced life.
Children today, equipped with digital devices and surrounded by screens, often seem disconnected from their rich cultural heritage. The flames of the fireside have been overshadowed by glowing screens. “I wish my kids could experience what I did—sitting around the fire and listening to stories,” Amina lamented, reflecting on the changing times.
To many, this decline of fireside tales has created a void in the lives of many children. Some struggle to express themselves in their mother tongue, while others miss the moral lessons once embedded in these stories.
With parents preoccupied by work demands and technology, opportunities for meaningful interactions diminish. “My friends are always on their phones,” lamented 10-year-old Becky. “I miss talking about stories. It feels like something important is missing.”
Furthermore, the lack of storytelling has broader implications. Children who do not hear these tales often lack the cultural grounding that allows them to connect with their heritage. The teachings of their ancestors, passed down through generations, are replaced by digital distractions. “We are losing our stories, and with them, our identity,” Mengla, an elder said. “This is a great loss.”
Yet, amidst the rush of modernity, a yearning remains—a desire to return to simpler times, to rekindle those fireside gatherings, and revive the stories that breathe life into village nights. “We need to hold on to our stories,” declared Ibrahima. “They remind us of our roots and who we are.”
Reclaiming this age-old tradition is crucial. It is essential to once again gather—young and old—to listen, learn, and connect. For in the stories shared around the fireside lies the heart of family, the community, and the spirit of a timeless experience.
Leaders and elders in the community are beginning to recognize the importance of these gatherings. “Let’s not let our stories become forgotten,” Amina urged. “Let’s pass them down while we still can.” Initiatives to revitalize storytelling nights are emerging, inviting families to share their narratives by the fire. Community events centered around tales are being organized, encouraging participation from all age groups.
“Let’s gather once a month,” suggested a local schoolteacher, Mr. Dada, at a recent community meeting. “It could be a time for us to share stories, teach our children our history, and reconnect as a community.”
As the flickering flames continue to dance in the night, the dreams of rekindling this tradition persist. The enchanting stories shared not only preserve culture but cultivate connection in a world increasingly distanced from its roots. “When we share our stories, we share our lives,” Amina concluded. “And that’s something we should never lose.”
As people begin to reconnect with this tradition, the hopes of a revived fireside experience emerge. It’s not merely about preserving stories; it’s about fostering relationships, building community, and ensuring that the next generation inherits a legacy rich in culture and wisdom.
In each story told, there’s potential—potential for growth, understanding, and unity. These fireside gatherings are more than just moments of joy; they form the backbone of cultural identity and collective memory. Reviving this tradition is not just a nostalgic endeavor; it’s a necessary step toward nurturing a future built on the treasures of the past.
In every crackle of firewood, every soft-spoken word, and every eager, wide-eyed listener, the spirit of storytelling breathes alive—a reminder of what it means to be human, to share, and to belong. Together, around the flickering flames, families can rediscover the magic of storytelling and reclaim a vital part of their heritage.
