female initiation ceremonies in zambia

I cant help but note the misunderstanding of African culture which actually led to its being destroyed by European culture. practices violate girls privacy rights, including their freedom of expression and movement. While there have been a number of descriptions and interpretations of boys' initiation rituals, Audrey Richards's classic study of initiation rites among the Bemba remains one of the few studies to deal in detail with the initiation of girls into adult life.Dr Richards observed the entire chisungu or female initiation rite, an almost continuous series of complex ceremonies lasting for a month. Ms Mpundu Chilufya also of Jack compound said the youth of nowadays have no sense of responsibility because they do not know how to differential between right and wrong. It intrigued me how a lot of the gossip would come back to one topic: the importance of 'chinamwali', the traditional initiation training most Zambian women go through before they get married.. Ifa's initiation into Yoruba culture is based on knowledge. While there have been a number of descriptions and interpretations of boys' initiation rituals, Audrey Richards's classic study of initiation rites among the Bemba remains one of the few studies to deal in detail with the initiation of girls into adult life. In short, this Bemba art differs in many ways from the methods used in the surrounding areas. Indians are different. Sociology. Some white women are even looking for Zambian women to teach them this because word has gone around that the Zambians can dance. a care giver to her family. For most traditions in Zambia, this meant when a girl came of. According to Mulauzi, Nyambe and Mtanga (2014) and Phiri, Musonda nad Daka (2020) initiation ceremonies like puberty rites are found in most parts of Zambia and are conducted nearly in all. Not many Zambian tribes practice it, but I know in some parts of northern Eastern province, they did when I was in the area. This doesnt mean you must start having sex with all men. Dr Richards observed the entire chisungu or female . Nearly all African cultures hold that the infant has come from the spirit world with important information from that world, and is bringing unique talents and gifts to . If they come out the other end after fighting Lions, etc. Growing up in such a traditional background, is there The responsible old men and women we see today are a product of initiation ceremonies, when young men and women were taught a lot of things that not only benefit them but their societies as well where they come from, she said. When Africans find that even whites have started doing them, Africans (mostly women), again start doing the same things they forsook. When a man and women are married the man goes to live with the wife's family and so generations are traced in a matrilineal fashion, as opposed to the patrilineal lineages in the area. As most spiritual practices are created by men for men, women need spiritual practices that speak directly to the womb of women. This is the point that things may get out of hand and they may put themselves at risk of unintended pregnancies, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections., It is just an old womans tale which spread like a wild fire. possibly in perpetuity, this same principle is antagonistic to development, which by simple definition demands They convey a sense of special uniqueness AllAfrica is a voice of, by and about Africa - aggregating, producing and distributing 600 news and information items daily from over 100 African news organizations and our own reporters to an African and global public. culture and traditions are powerful symbols of human identity. INITIATION CEREMONIES WILL BRING BACK MORAL VALUES - WOMEN Posted on 25 February 2016. No different as going to physical education and learning how to warm, flex and practice movement combinations, in order to perform better on the field, to be a better and valuable team player. Practice of If Traditional. Girls initiation in the context of an urban Roman Catholic community on the Zambian Copperbelt, and then in 2001 on the female initiation rites in Urban Zambia. Kazanga Tribal Ceremony-Kathanga Nkoya Cultural CeremonyJune 30 - July 1, 2008, July 19th, 2009. Powered by WordPress. Not only does this type of socialization demoralize a girl child from aspiring to Seriously some young ladies educated Western way are exhibiting a copy cat behaviour of Western females in poor areas. We operate from Cape Town, Dakar, Abuja, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Washington DC. Richards observed the entire chisungu or female initiation rite, an almost continuous series of complex ceremonies lasting for a month. For example, a Bemba may throw verbal abuses to a Nyanja, but this is done in jest for the most part. THERE is need to intensify female initiation ceremonies if Zambian culture is to be upheld in the face of decaying moral values in Zambia. General News Bring back female initiation ceremonies, says Jack compound residents THERE is need to intensify female initiation ceremonies if Zambian culture is to be upheld in the face of. in her own right. Women said he was too backward. Kabiyeni uko banamalepe! Of these various ceremonies, the initiation ceremonies are of interest to this research because they represent the peak of traditional teaching for the female child and could affect negatively on the education of the girl (Rasing, 2001; Chondoka, 2001). They said it was important that young people were educated in Zambian traditions, culture and customs so that they grew up as responsible citizens. As simple as going back to basics, minus the (religious?) Of course I grew more and more curious, and when I finally got the opportunity to attend one, I did not have to think twice. What does this mean. female initiation ceremonies) that systematically Of late in most . . Dr Richards observed the entire chisungu or female initiation rite, an almost continuous series of complex ceremonies lasting for a month. It intrigued me how a lot of the gossip would come back to one topic: the importance of chinamwali, the traditional initiation training most Zambian women go through before they get married. socialize a girl child to be subordinate to her peers in that cultural set up. For instance, it has often been noted that whereas males are usually initiated as a group, women's initiation is quite . No, no, youre doing a Shakira, they said when I would still be shaking too many other parts. His argument and concern was the erosion of Zambias cultural values. It really functions as a social and educational platform, and the way we bonded made it into a great experience. There was a problem processing your submission. Learning how to maximize your capabilities as a sexual partner should also be there, men and women. Zambia deserves better than that. THERE is need to intensify female initiation ceremonies if Zambian culture is to be upheld in the face of decaying moral values in Zambia. This was the consensus among Lusakas Jack compound residents who felt that it was time for parents to start remembering tradition and go back to the times when young men and women were taught how to be responsible and cultured in all areas of ones life. should aspire to achieve the best and reach her full potential in that society. Chisungu: A Girl's Initiation Ceremony Among the Bemba of Zambia (Routledge Classics) 1st Edition by Audrey Richards (Author) 5 ratings Paperback $5.82 - $58.95 17 Used from $1.84 5 New from $53.02 1 Collectible from $25.00 There is a newer edition of this item: Definition of initiation ceremony Men and women gave polar opposite versions of the definition of initiation ceremony. The first minutes of this quite explicit training were pretty awkward. Some of my fellow students and teachers would really get into it, almost as if they were actually in the act. The girls as young as twelve would be kept in confinement and taught how to sleep with men! Why? Ms. Kaluba said that people were now losing touch with tradition in the name of the so-called civilisation where tradition was ignored. Staying in Chawama, a compound outside Zambia's capital Lusaka, I spent many an evening chatting to the local women as they sat outside and cooked on their charcoal braziers. The paper concludes with two questions: 1. While there have been a number of descriptions and interpretations of boys' initiation rituals, Audrey Richards's classic study of initiation rites among the Bemba remains one of the few studies to deal in detail with the initiation of girls into adult life. by Justine Sibomana and Jorrit Meulenbeek * - INSP/IPS ( lusaka) Tuesday, January 11, 2011. Advertisement Mooba is the main dance of the Lenje ethnic group of Central Province of Zambia, performed since pre-colonial times. Sex is part of life so someone needs to be taught how to deal with it. Yoruba initiation ceremonies. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct. HISTORICALLY, initiation ceremonies that entail the rites of passage of girls into womanhood were largely associated with marriage. As a result of all this, the societies in Zambia have experienced a decline in morals, conduct, dress code, respect and behavior in the young women. HISTORICALLY, initiation ceremonies that entail the rites of passage of girls into womanhood were largely associated with marriage. Indian classical dances such asRead More Hansen (1997) [7], based his study on keeping the House in Lusaka and Maambo (2008) [10] conducted a study on the effects of the Nkolola initiation ceremony on women in southern . These teachings are useless and they do not teach young girls anything productive atase! Im so amazed. All male and female initiation rites involve the adoption of hairstyles and clothing that underline the transitional status of the initiates. Nyau dancer. Chi Virgin you brainwashed bastard. By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. No to genital mutilationsjust for clarity. I see more maturity in myself. Although rituals of women's initiation resemble in numerous ways those celebrated for men, there are also highly significant differences that reflect the biological and more importantly the social distinctions between men and women. Its a pity how women are chewing their own words. African stop eating their organic natural and healthy foods and eat fish and chips. Thanks @ Zambian Woman who went through initiation,in fact in some Zambian cultures a girl when she reaches puberty at the first menses she is isolated and then taught how to look after herself at such particular times,how stay clean and healthy. However, formatting rules can vary widely between applications and fields of interest or study. Rose Mambwe, another Jack compound resident, said that young people go to school while some are working and it would not be fair to seclude them for a long time attending initiation rituals. In a village nestled between Limpopo and Mpumalanga, girls as young as seven embark on a six-week secret rite of passage to prepare them for their journey into womanhood. The chinamwali ceremony is typical to the Eastern Province region of Zambia. numerous identity tags held dear by that group. Violence against women is perpetuated by cultural orientation; initiation ceremonies and payment of bride price which makes Girls Initiation Ceremonies in Zambia: Reflections on their Role in Girl Child Educational Advancement. Date: 22nd April, 2020 Journal Impact Factor Report 2018 Date: 24th November, 2018 Girls' Initiation Ceremonies in Zambia: Reflections on their Role in Girl Child Educational Advancement. I am not saying Indians are good and better than African- but different in that respect. AFRICA: Women's Bodies Have Been Battlefields, Sweet 16 Marriages Cause Controversy in Malawi, COP27: A Climate Summit Following Empty Promises & Funding Failures, Solar Power Brings Water to Families in Former War Zones in El Salvador, Solidarity and Negotiations to End the Ukraine War, A New Digitalisation Effort in Bangladesh Could Change Community Health Globally, What Does it take to Build a Culture of Equality & Inclusion at the UN? African female initiation ceremonies are rites of passage for girls entering womanhood, and are usually a public annoucement of the girl's eligibility for marriage. Nearly every culture in the world ritualizes the important milestones throughout life. Girls Initiation Ceremony Among The Bemba Of Zambiacreate and maintain - or transform - a society's cultural identity and social relations. Hopefully politician types get stuck in quick sand along the way. Whatever they are taught in these ceremonies should continue forever. African female initiation ceremonies are rites of passage for girls entering womanhood, and are usually a public annoucement of the girl's eligibility for marriage. Holding her imaginary husband in every imaginable position, she went on for more than fifteen minutes, while the other women clapped and threw money at her in appreciation. In anticipation of their adult status as wives and mothers, Bantwane female initiates shave their heads in emulation of the 'bicycle seat' hairstyles associated with mature women. Take for instance tattoos, hair-plaiting in different patterns, food, dressing (but, not complexion changing), including the cultural part of sex and love-making, etc. past and striving to make things better for the future. Which dance is only performed by females in Zambia? concerned about increased mine accidents. Initiation has been a missing component in the modern world and needs to be re-introduced with new understanding and consciousness.First published in 1972. Birth, marriage and death are typically marked . Dr Richards observed the entire chisungu or female initiation rite, an almost . . Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox. advancement. They begin pulling the labia at 9 to 12 years. Moreover its not just the people in the villages that need morals and responsibility but even those that are in urban areas and that is why it is important that the initiation ceremonies for young men and women are revived, she said. making improvements to the past and present. This book demonstrates how cultural traditions can militate against the education of women in Zambia with a focus on the Tumbuka tribe. In some cases disappointed husbands even end up sending their wives back to be taught more, one of the worst possible embarrassments for the family. These rites are examined in the context of socio-economic changes. The role of initiation ceremonies as channels of sex education is . Girls' initiation ceremonies have favorably been observed among Zambian rural communities and seemingly considered to be major obstacle to the advancement of rural girls' education. Elongation of the Labia Minora Is A Violation of womens bodily autonomy. The three month ritual is rarely talked about in Zambia, and all girls who undergo the initiation rite are sworn to secrecy about their experience. The ceremony is conducted by the NaChibusa. Moreover its not just the people in the villages that need morals and responsibility but even those that are in urban areas and that is why it is important that the initiation ceremonies for young men and women are revived, she said. This was the consensus among Lusakas Jack compound residents who felt that it was time for parents to start remembering tradition and go back to the times when young men and women were taught how to be responsible and cultured in all areas of ones life. raising the voices of the South and civil society on issues of development, globalisation, human rights and the environment LUSAKA, Jan 11 2011 - Staying in Chawama, a compound outside Zambias capital Lusaka, I spent many an evening chatting to the local women as they sat outside and cooked on their charcoal braziers. A people without culture is a people lost. Those people are professionals at these things, so he will be much better off there.. Looking back, even though my leg muscles tell a different story, I would never want to have missed this. train a girl child to perceive herself as dependent on other people, in particular men; and not as a full package Unlike elsewhere in Zambia, kalela drums are played with sticks. She added that initiation ceremonies worked well in the old days and could still work out well even in the modern world. status of women has a negative effect on pregnancy outcomes [9]. Sex is the taught during counseling for marriage!I believe it is a good culture to keep!! During the ceremony, female Alangizi, or initiators,traditionallyteach sex skills to girls as young as 12. Cultural expectations orient and prescribe her destiny towards getting married and becoming The rural girls have danger too, walking to water, and meeting rapists and wild animals. - Terms & Conditions. An interesting element of Bemba culture is their marriage ceremonies and structure. Isnt the message in this story confusing? Ms Mpundu Chilufya also of Jack compound said the youth of nowadays have no sense of responsibility because they do not know how to differential between right and wrong. The ceremonies are designed to position girls to a social environment where they are prepared to portray desirable cultural norms, values and expectations of that society and to shoulder roles and responsibilities devolved on adults. * This article first appeared on the Street News Service, Wow! Were pretty awkward not teach young girls anything productive atase rites involve the adoption of female initiation ceremonies in zambia... That cultural set up the girls as young as twelve would be in. And structure of Zambia, this meant when a girl child to be subordinate to peers! Way we bonded made it into a great experience outcomes [ 9 ] demonstrates how cultural traditions can militate the... Not saying Indians are good and better than African- but different in that society cultural traditions can militate the. Men, women need spiritual practices are created by men for men, women need spiritual are. 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To be re-introduced with new understanding and consciousness.First published in 1972 women has a negative effect on pregnancy [! Posted on 25 February 2016 status of women in Zambia how to sleep with men at things! That the Zambians can dance, which AllAfrica does not have the legal to! A sexual partner should also be there, men and women taught during counseling for marriage! believe!

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