2024 UEW-Ajumako Campus Level 100 Fante Students playing Odo Handkerchief
In today’s world of fast-paced, high-tech dating games and reality TV shows like ‘Date Rush’ and balloon pop dating shows, it’s easy to forget that traditional societies had their own unique ways of fostering romance and connection. Long before the advent of modern dating, the Fante people of Ghana had a charming and culturally rich “dating” game known as the “Odo Handkerchief.
The idea that “there is nothing new under the sun” reflects a common belief that many concepts and practices in today’s world have historical or cultural roots. “Odo Handkerchief” or “Ɔdɔ Hanketse” in Fante culture is a prime example of this. It’s a traditional love game that embodies cultural values and rituals that demonstrates how aspects of contemporary life often have deep historical precedents.
“Odo Handkerchief,” as the name suggests, is a traditional love game played with handkerchiefs by both boys and girls. Literally translated as “Love Handkerchief,” this game goes beyond the typical association of games with children in Ghanaian culture. Originally a playful activity, “Odo Handkerchief” has evolved to reflect the dynamics of modern dating and courtship, drawing parallels to contemporary reality TV shows that focus on romantic engagements.
The game is set up with two lines of boys and girls facing each other, leaving a space in between that serves as the dancing area. Each girl holds a handkerchief as she dances along the line of boys. As she dances, she chooses the boy she likes by placing her handkerchief around his neck, signaling her choice of partner. This process continues until all the girls have selected their partners.
If a boy doesn’t end up with a partner, it’s often joked that he hasn’t bathed properly and that’s why he didn’t find a match. This playful tradition adds a humorous twist to the game and makes it more interesting whilst sending a message of cleanliness to all players.
During the game, a song is sung to accompany the activity. It goes like this:
Lead singer: Ɔdɔ eee hanketse o!
Respondence: Ɔdɔ eee hanketse o!
Lead singer: Ɔdɔ eee hanketse o!
Respondence: Ɔdɔ eee hanketse o!
Lead singer: Ɔdɔ eee hanketse o!
Respondence: Ɔdɔ eee hanketse o!
Lead singer: Ɔdɔ bogu me/ bɛgye wo hanketse o!
Respondence: Ɔdɔ eee hanketse o!
The lyrics translate to a call for love, asking for the handkerchief of love/affection to come and be placed around the necks of the participants, signaling their readiness and anticipation. The song reflects the playful and affectionate spirit of the game and emphasizes the joy and excitement of choosing a partner.
“Odo Handkerchief” shows us that even before modern dating shows, people had their own fun and meaningful ways of finding love. This traditional Fante game, with its playful rituals and lively song, connects us to a past where romance was celebrated with creativity and joy. As we enjoy today’s dating trends, it’s nice to remember and appreciate these timeless traditions that still have a lot to teach us about connection and affection.
Author: Ebenezer Kobinah Offen
Editor: Ama Gyesiwaa Quansah
