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The Lake of Stars
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The 'Lake of Stars' is the lyrical and poetic nickname given to Lake Malawi. It has also been sometimes referred to as the "Lake of a Thousand Shining Stars". The Lake has always been seen in Malawi has having magical or spiritual properties. The Lake has also been known as Lake Nyasa during the colonial period where Malawi was part of the Empire of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. It is known as Lake Niassa in Portuguese in neighboring Mozambique. It is also presently known as by Malawians. The word for lake in chichewa is "nyanja". As the "Lake of Stars", the lake is romanticised as a lake of magical properties. Romanticism of the Lake Livingstone Origins In historical context, it is believed that when David Livingston first saw the lake he coined the term "Lake of Stars" because the reflection of the sun at sunset, moon at night and stars in the lake could be seen in the lake. Fisherman Origins The name is also used as a metaphor to describe the lights from the lanterns of the fisherman in Malawi on their boats, which resemble, from a distance, stars in the sky Images of the Lake in Literature The Lake has been the subject of a lot of Malawian literature. In literature, the name is said to have originated because of the sun glittering off the lake during sunset. It is also known as the Lake of Storms, for the unpredictable and extremely violent gales that sweep through the area. Malawian Religion Malawian traditional religions see a spiritual connection with the lake that explains the existence of mankind. Sculpture Malawians like Yao artists Joshua Manzi use the lake as inspiration for their artwork. figures. Lake of Stars Music Festival An annual Music festival in Malawi on the lake, called the "Lake of Stars" Music Festival, attracts Malawians and tourists from around the world each year. The festival has helped put Malawian musicians on the international scene and has been voted by the London newspaper, The Independent and Times, as one of the top 20 Music Festivals in the world. It is a charity event whose proceeds go to orphans in Malawi. See Also
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