The "prayer of Jan van Riebeeck" is a bit of a misnomer. There is no single, universally accepted prayer attributed to Jan van Riebeeck upon landing at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652. However, we can understand the concept and where to find related information.
Here's why it's not straightforward and where to find relevant details:
* No Documented Direct Quote: There is no primary source document quoting a specific, verbatim prayer spoken by Jan van Riebeeck upon landing. History often gets compressed and embellished over time, leading to a popular understanding that might not be entirely accurate.
* Religious Context: Jan van Riebeeck and the Dutch East India Company (VOC) were deeply religious (Calvinist/Reformed). It's almost certain that prayers of thanksgiving and supplication were offered in connection with the voyage and the establishment of the settlement. Public prayers and giving thanks to God would have been a normal part of their proceedings.
* Sources for Information:
* Historical Accounts of the VOC and the Cape Colony: Look for books and academic articles on the early history of the Dutch East India Company and the establishment of the Cape Colony. These resources provide context and might mention the religious practices of the time, even if they don't include a specific prayer. Examples:
* Comprehensive history books focusing on South Africa's early colonial period.
* Biographies of Jan van Riebeeck.
* Archives in the Netherlands and South Africa: Original documents from the VOC era are housed in archives in the Netherlands (particularly the Nationaal Archief in The Hague) and in South Africa (various national and provincial archives). While a specific prayer text might be elusive, these archives could contain records of religious observances and sentiments expressed during that period.
* Publications by Religious Historians: Scholars specializing in the history of religion in South Africa may have written about the spiritual life of the early settlers and the kinds of prayers they would have used.
* Online Resources: Search online databases of historical documents and academic journals. Use keywords like "Jan van Riebeeck," "Cape Colony," "Dutch East India Company," "religion," "prayer," "Calvinism," and "Reformed Church."
In Summary:
While you likely won't find a direct, documented "Prayer of Jan van Riebeeck," you can gain insights into the religious atmosphere of the time by researching the history of the VOC, the Cape Colony, and the religious practices of the Dutch settlers. The sources mentioned above are the best places to start your search.