This orientation has significant cultural and spiritual meaning:
* Sunrise: The east represents the dawn, a time of new beginnings and renewal. Facing east signifies the house's connection to the rising sun and the life-giving energy it brings.
* Ancestors: The eastern direction is also associated with the ancestral spirits, who are believed to travel from the east. Facing east allows for the spirits to enter the house and bless those within.
* Navigation: The east is also a crucial navigational point, helping determine the location of the rising sun and therefore other key directions.
While the east is the most common orientation, some variations exist, and the precise direction might depend on the specific location and tribe.