Today it is difficult for Ghanaians to explain why and how the alcoholic drink-schnapps, which "leaves a sour taste in the mouth" and looks like a "sharp bite of the tongue", with such a strange name for African places, was fixed in the national tradition of Ghana (in colonial times-the Gold Coast).

Schnapps became an attribute of power even in colonial times. In trade deals with Europeans who sailed to the Gold Coast, schnapps was valued on a par with weapons. Owning a bottle of White man's drink was something to be proud of and even collectible. The colonial authorities actually promoted the idea that schnapps is the drink of the gods. All this determined the relatively high market value of the drink.

Today in Ghana, schnapps has a special status compared to other drinks, because in the public consciousness it has long been something more and has become a kind of capital.

In Ghana, it is not customary to order schnapps in a bar or restaurant, and no one serves it to guests at the festive table. However, it is one of the most significant attributes of many common rites in the country. It is believed that rituals that allow the use of alcohol (and there are many of them, and they are strictly observed by the people) are invalid if another drink is offered instead of schnapps, and even more so water.

In some circumstances, schnapps is a sign of power that indicates a person's social status, and the drink that they consume in a ritual or are offered to them must correspond to their position. The exception is the Muslim north of the country, where schnapps do not have such utilitarian significance.

Traditionally, weddings, funerals, and other rituals are "approved" by schnapps. In arbitration, it usually appears as part of the fine levied on the guilty party, and also accompanies the official announcement of important news in the life of the community.

Over time, Ghana has developed many protocols, such as how to hold a bottle, when and to whom to present it. So, the person leading the delegation that goes to the leader never holds a bottle. And the one who is authorized to carry it should carefully hide the schnapps in the folds of national clothing, somewhat reminiscent of Roman togas. After the greetings are completed, the delegation begins to explain the purpose of its mission. At the crucial moment, schnapps are cleverly taken out and presented as support for a request, making a deal, or making a demand. The chief does not accept the offering personally; this is done by a person who is under the leader and has very broad powers, i.e. is actually his deputy. Only after the offering is made, the delegation's case is considered officially submitted. If a fine is imposed, the chief's residence elder checks the exact match of the brand specified in the sentence and checks the number of bottles presented.

There are three varieties of schnapps on the local market: imported and two types of locally produced schnapps. Depending on the nature of the traditional ritual, you will need to use one of them. A different number of bottles are prepared for the wedding, depending on the nature of the ethnic group (it should be noted that in Ghana there are more than 60 of them). In cases where the marriage is concluded far from the family, one bottle of schnapps must necessarily be sent to the bride's home. Relatives who were not present at the wedding celebration take a sip of the schnapps sent and thereby testify to the legality of the marriage. You can often hear these words: "Oh! I witnessed this marriage alliance, I remember drinking their schnapps!"

The use of schnapps is not limited to traditional and religious rites. In the protocols of state-level events, schnapps have a role to play. During the reception of world leaders and state visits, Naa Woolomo, the chief priest of the Ga people, on whose land the capital of Accra is located, holds full bottles of schnapps in each hand and pours one of them on Mother Earth in small portions during the liturgy.

Schnapps collections are collected in the residences of the chiefs. And the higher the chief's rank, the more significant the collection of schnapps should be. It is stored in a specially designated room and can be displayed if necessary.

In traditional communities, people are assigned to monitor the supply of schnapps. In some cases, a community member may receive a loan for ritual purposes or to pay a fine, but then they must return it.

The ritual of funerals in Ghana is given special importance. This event gathers a large number of relatives and acquaintances of the deceased. The person who ignores this rite is found guilty, and the community charges him a fine that includes a bottle of schnapps.

None of the traditional African drinks here has such significance in local customs. And this fact raises a surprise and a question: what was used before schnapps appeared in Ghana? According to legend, strong alcoholic drink and palm wine served as schnapps. Ghanaians often refer to schnapps as a drug that is unpleasant to consume, but which is necessary to preserve the integrity of the cultural traditions of society. And although this alcoholic drink is not native to the Gold Coast, nevertheless, today nothing can be considered a more national drink than schnapps.

V. P. NEMCHENKO, our sobkor in Ghana

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