Foto: Melinda Bonthuys
’n Volmaan vir ’n nuwe jaar by die Taalmonument
Met die nuwe jaar wat weer op ons is, is dit die perfekte tyd om asem te skep en die volmaan van nader te bekyk op ’n heerlike somersaand op die beeldskone Paarlberg. Daarom nooi die Afrikaanse Taalmuseum en -monument (ATM) se vriendelike personeel almal hartlik uit om hierdie natuurlike verskynsel op Saterdag, 7 Januarie 2023, met hulle te vier.
Ter ondersteuning van die Sentrum vir Astronomiese Erfenis se projek om inheemse name vir volmane in Suider-Afrika te bevorder, word hierdie piekniek gewy aan die Bidsprinkaan, ’n godsdienstige wese van die San-mense wat oorspronklik regoor Suid-Afrika gewoon het. In die San-tradisie was die bidsprinkaan ’n tipe bedrieër, /Kaggen, die een wat mislei. Met verloop van tyd het hy ook die Nguni-wese geword wat as uThikoloshi bekend staan.
Die pieknieks is baie gewild onder plaaslike inwoners én toeriste, wat veral die sonsondergang en pragtige naguitsig van die vallei geniet. Gaste kan enige tyd tussen 17:00 en 22:00 kom piekniek hou en die monument, ’n simboolgelaaide beeldhouwerk sonder weerga, besigtig. ’n Gratis begeleide toer om dit alles te verduidelik, vind om 18:30 plaas. Besoekers word ook aangemoedig om die omgewing en tydelike uitstallings te verken; daar is buitelug-speletjies en speelparke vir die kinders. Genoeg veilige parkering is gratis beskikbaar.
Gaste is welkom om hul eie pieknieks en drankies (geen glas) te bring of vooraf ’n piekniekmandjie by Die Suikerkan via 082 216 2510/082 856 1871 of info@diesuikerkan.co.za te bestel – hierdie koffiewinkel sal ook verversings tydens die geleentheid verkoop. Onthou warm klere en ’n flits.
Die piekniekreeks word aangebied ten bate van ‘Laat ons Lees!’, die Taalmonument se geletterdheidsprojek vir kinders, derhalwe word piekniekgangers gevra om nuwe of tweedehandse kinderboeke te skenk.
Toegang is R40 per volwassene, R10 vir SA studente, pensioenarisse en kinders, en gratis vir kinders onder 6 jaar asook jaarpermithouers. Kaartjies is beskikbaar by Computicket of die hek, en geen besprekings is nodig nie. Meer oor die Sentrum vir Astronomiese Erfenis by https://cfah.org.za. Die volgende Volmaanpieknieks is op 4 Februarie en 4 Maart in 2023.
Vir meer inligting oor al die ander opwindende geleenthede, konserte en kursusse by die Taalmonument en Taalmuseum, skakel 021 872 3441/863 0543, besoek https://www.taalmuseum.co.za/ of volg hulle op Facebook. Die webtuiste bied boonop virtuele toere van die monument en museum, inligting in ses tale oor die simboliek van die Taalmonument asook baie interessante artikels oor Afrikaans, veeltaligheid en die instelling se verlede, hede en toekoms. Daar is voorts heelwat bronne vir skool- en navorsingsprojekte. Jaarpermitte kos slegs R120 vir individue of R220 per gesin, wat toegang tot alle Volmaanpieknieks insluit. Die koffiewinkel bied daagliks heerlike kos en pragtige vergesigte, kontak hulle via diesuikerkan.co.za of 082 216 2510.
A full moon for a new year at the Taalmonument
With the new year once again upon on us, it is the perfect time to catch your breath and take a closer look at the full moon on a glorious summer evening on the beautiful Paarl Mountain. One and all are thus invited to join the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument’s (ATM's) friendly staff to celebrate this natural phenomenon on Saturday, 7 January 2023.
In support of the Centre for Astronomical Heritage’s project to promote indigenous names for full moons in Southern Africa, this picnic is dedicated to the Praying Mantis, a religious figure of the San people who originally lived all over South Africa. In the San tradition, the mantis was a trickster figure, /Kaggen, the one who deludes. Over time, he also became the Nguni creature known as uThikoloshi.
The picnics are very popular with local residents and tourists alike, who especially enjoy the sunsets and incredible night scenes. Guests can come anytime between 17:00 and 22:00, and have a look at the monument that is an exceptional, symbol-rich sculpture. A free guided tour to explain all of this, takes place at 18:30. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the gardens and temporary exhibitions; there are outdoor games and playgrounds for children. Ample safe parking is available for free.
Guests are welcome to bring their own picnics and drinks (no glass) or to order picnic baskets in advance at Die Suikerkan via 082 216 2510/082 856 1871 or info@diesuikerkan.co.za - this coffee shop will also sell refreshments during the event. Dress warmly and bring a torch.
The picnic series is in aid of 'Let’s Read!', the Taalmonument's literacy project for children, and therefore picnic-goers are invited to donate new or second-hand children's books.
Tickets are R40 per adult, R10 for SA students, pensioners and children, and free for children under 6 years as well as holders of annual permits. They are available from Computicket or at the gate, and no booking is required. More on the Centre for Astronomical Heritage at https://cfah.org.za. The next Full Moon picnics are on 4 February and 4 March in 2023.
For more information on all the other exciting events, concerts and courses at the Taalmonument, call 021 872 3441/863 0543, visit taalmonument.co.za or follow them on Facebook. The website also offers virtual tours of the monument and museum, information in six languages on the symbolism of the Taalmonument as well as many interesting articles on Afrikaans, multilingualism and the institution's past, present and future. There are also many resources for school and research projects. Annual permits are available at only R120 for individuals or R220 per family, which includes access to all Full Moon Picnics. The coffee shop offers delicious food and beautiful views daily, contact them via diesuikerkan.co.za or of 082 216 2510.