Differences Of The Zulu And Maasai Tribe

There are over 3000 tribes in Africa who all have unique lifecycle traditions (Reference, 2016). This paper is going to focus on two unique tribes: the Zulu tribe from Southern Africa, and the Masaai tribe from Eastern Africa. Although these two tribes are both from the same continent, their practices of tradition are very different. Their cultures were created long ago so they have very specific traditions that are vital to the culture, and make it what it is. They are sacred traditions. Four aspects of Zulu and Maasai culture that I will be talking about in this paper are birth rituals, coming of age or puberty rituals, marriage rituals, and finally death rituals. These are times that happen in the lives of both cultures, but what is interesting …show more content…
The Zulu have people called “second mothers” who are traditional birthing attendants, also known as a midwife (p 541). The midwives were shared among the Zulu women and they usually delivered 4-5 babies each day (p 541). Ancestors played a vital role in the Zulu culture, especially when it involved the Zulu family process (p 541). Their lineage depended on the reproductive success so they would have descendants (p 541). From conception to birth, the ancestors of the couple were said to relieve the anxiety of the couple, and through a process called triangling, the ancestors were very active in participating so that the child would know they were loved and belonged in that family (p 541). An aspect of the Zulu ritual is called “Imbeleko” which means the naming or reporting of the child (p 542). Rituals such as Imbeleko give the Zulu people a sense of community and belonging when the multiple generations of their family are involved (p 542). When the ancestors would help to relieve the anxiety that comes with pregnancy and birth it would in turn stabilize the family to confirm their reproductive success so that their lineage would continue (p …show more content…
In the Zulu culture, childlessness is one of the greatest misfortunes one could have. Giving birth to only girls is also seen as a grave misfortune. None of the Zulu marriages are seen as being official and permanent until a child, hopefully male, is born. In the Zulu tribe, the puberty ceremony is called “Umemulo” and it marks a full transition into adulthood. Currently it is only preformed for girls. During this ritual you are separated from people to mark your changing status from youth to adulthood. After this part of the puberty ritual is completed, the “reincorporation” stage begins which is a celebration with killing of animals to eat, dancing, and feasting. During this celebration the girl is announced to be ready for marriage, and it is then that she can begin courting. To begin courting, the girl must send a letter to a young man that appeals to her. Zulu love letters are unique because they are made with beads, and different colour beads have different meanings. When you put the beads in a certain order they can send a variety of messages. The official dating occurs when the young man of interest writes a letter back or comes to visit to tell the girl hat he loves her. If the girl still also feels this way, she can tell him. After they both agree on their feelings for each other, it is then that they can be seen