Sementeira
Fuxan Os Ventos
Planting Seeds of Culture and Hope
The song "Sementeira" by Fuxan Os Ventos is a poetic reflection on the importance of cultural heritage and the transmission of values across generations. The title itself, which translates to "Sowing" or "Seedtime," sets the tone for a metaphorical planting of seeds that are not just agricultural but also cultural and social.
The lyrics speak of sowing 'soon after creating,' suggesting a continuous cycle of growth and renewal. The song emphasizes the growth of a community through the metaphorical sowing of a child, an elder, and a song. Each of these represents a different aspect of cultural heritage: the child, with the rebellious spirit, speaks the mother tongue and engages with nature; the elder offers wisdom and stories, connecting the past with the present; and the song of redemption signifies the transformative power of music and art to bring about a new dawn after desolation. The repetition of the phrase 'Sementar sementarei' (I will sow) reinforces the commitment to this cultural cultivation.
The final stanza offers a poignant image of the singer's own mortality, wishing to die between scorched furrows, a symbol of the hardships faced by the people. The mention of 'sundowns of the starving men' evokes a sense of struggle and the need for nourishment, both physical and spiritual. Fuxan Os Ventos, known for their folk music and lyrics in the Galician language, often address themes of Galician identity, culture, and social issues, making this song a powerful statement on the resilience and continuity of their cultural legacy.