Customs & Culture of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has an ancient cultural history that has been modified by the influx of European settlers. The ancient Zimbabwean people worshiped their ancestors and valued history above all else. That pride in the past remains today, even as Zimbabwe has struggled for independence and a place in the modern economic world.
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National Symbols
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The Zimbabwe flag represents national pride in achieving independence in 1980. According to the Republic of Zimbabwe Ministry of Information, the green stripe on the flag represents vegetation and natural resources. The yellow stripe represents the minerals found within Zimbabwe's borders. The red stripe represents honor for the blood that was shed during the struggle for independence. The black stripe represents the black people as the majority of Zimbabwe's citizenry. The white triangle stands for peace, and the red star stands for Zimbabwe's goals. The bird on the flag is the Great Zimbabwe Bird, the national emblem of Zimbabwe and represents Zimbabwe's connection to its history.
Religion
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Zimbabwe traditionally followed the religion of ancestor worship. People believed their ancestors came back as powerful spirits that helped provide good harvests, and when angered brought bad luck. Angry spirits told the community the cause of their anger through a person called a n'anga. The n'anga would also tell the community how to appease the spirits. Even today, though Zimbabweans have turned to Christianity, a large part of the population believes in the guidance of spirits and the power of witchcraft.
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Family Life
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Although the Zimbabwean Constitution declares men and women equal, the law still holds instances of gender bias against women. In 1999, for example, the Zimbabwe Supreme Court ruled that in inheritance cases, men must prevail over women because it is a cultural norm. Customary marriages are only allowed for black citizens. The customary marriage may include multiple wives, and is only ended by death. People of any race may enter into monogamous civil marriages that may end by death or divorce.
Makishi Dancers
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Masked Makishi dancers are an ancient custom in Zimbabwe. It is forbidden to ask the identity of the person who dances behind the mask. The dancers represent the ancestral spirits who attend the Mukanda, a festival that celebrates the transition from childhood to manhood for boys. A village medicine man covers the boys in clay. They are led outside the village to the katateveje, or place of death, where they are circumcised. Following the ceremony the boys stay outside the village and learn the duties and discipline of manhood.
Mythology
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According to Zimbabwean myth, the Great Zimbabwe Bird is one of seven soapstone birds that existed to commemorate the actions of a falcon that saved a boy's life as he was attacked by a crocodile. The boy lost his legs in the attack, but grew up to be a story teller who carved to the birds to illustrate his story. At some point in history all of the birds were taken from Zimbabwe and only four have returned. It is said that peace will never come to Zimbabwe until all seven birds return to their home.
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References
- Photo Credit zimbabwe flag button image by Andrey Zyk from Fotolia.com
