Shona
The largest people of Zimbabwe; roora and kurova guva live here.
Zimbabwe
MozambiquechiShonaCustoms they practice
10 recorded rites, each with its steps and its WHY.
Lobola · the bride wealth negotiation
The formal meeting of two families in which the groom’s side presents cattle or money to the bride’s side, joining the clans and dignifying the bride.
Zulu · Xhosa · Ndebele +8
The braai · fire, meat, and everyone
Southern Africa’s great equalizer: a wood fire, meat, and unhurried company. Every community braais, and 24 September is celebrated by many as National Braai Day alongside Heritage Day.
South Africans · Zimbabweans · Afrikaners +5
Ilima · the communal work party
The Southern African institution of collective labour: neighbours gather to plough, weed, build, or thatch for one household, which feeds the party; next season, the debt reverses.
Zulu · Basotho · Batswana +3
Umbuyiso · bringing the spirit home
A year or so after burial, the family holds the second rite: the spirit of the deceased is ceremonially brought back from the grave into the homestead to take its place among the ancestors.
Zulu · Ndebele · Shona
The tombstone unveiling
A Southern African second gathering, months or years after burial: the erected tombstone is covered, then ceremonially unveiled before family and community, closing formal mourning.
Zulu · Xhosa · Basotho +3
Kutanga · Girl's Initiation
Kutanga is a traditional initiation ceremony for girls, marking their transition from childhood to womanhood. The ceremony involves teaching the girls important life skills and values.
Shonafor women
Jerera · Family Reunion
Jerera is a traditional family reunion ceremony, where family members come together to strengthen their bonds and resolve any conflicts. The ceremony involves the sharing of food, drink, and stories.
Shona
Dare · Community Gathering
Dare is a traditional community gathering, where people come together to socialize, share food and drink, and discuss important community issues. The gathering is usually held under a tree or in a designated community area.
Shona
Bira · Ancestor Worship
Bira is a traditional ceremony where the Shona people honor and worship their ancestors, seeking their guidance, protection, and blessings. The ceremony involves the offering of food, drink, and other gifts to the ancestors.
Shona
Kuviga · Funeral Rites
Kuviga is a traditional funeral rite, where the community comes together to mourn the deceased and provide support to the bereaved family. The ceremony involves the sharing of food, drink, and stories, as well as the performance of traditional dances and music.
Shona
What they eat
5 dishes, what they mean and when they appear.
Umqombothi
A thick, low-alcohol sorghum-and-maize beer, brewed over days and shared from a communal pot: the drink that calls the ancestors to a gathering.
Zulu · Xhosa · Shona +2
Isitshwala
A firm, stiff maize porridge, cooked until it holds its shape, torn by hand and used to scoop relish: the daily anchor of the Southern African plate.
Shona · Ndebele · Zulu +5
Mopane worms
The dried, spiced caterpillars of the emperor moth, harvested from mopane trees: a high-protein delicacy sold by the handful and cooked into a savoury snack or relish.
Vhavenda · Batswana · Shona +1
Mourning Porridge
Mourning porridge is a thin, bland porridge made from maize meal or sorghum flour. It is often served during periods of mourning as a sign of respect and solidarity.
Shona
Mahewu
Mahewu is a traditional fermented drink made from maize meal or sorghum flour. It is often served at social gatherings and is a popular drink among the Shona people.
Shona
Names from this tradition
38 names in the decoder, meaning first.
Sibanda
machine draftThe lion: hunters and physical power.
Surname & clanNdebele (Zimbabwe)
Moyo
machine draftThe heart; the "owners of the land".
Surname & clanNdebele / Kalanga / Shona (Zimbabwe)
Rutendo
machine draftfaith
Given nameShona (Zimbabwe)
Tinotenda
machine draftwe are grateful
Given nameShona (Zimbabwe)
Kudakwashe
machine draftbe grateful
Given nameShona (Zimbabwe)
Tafadzwa
machine draftwe have been blessed
Given nameShona (Zimbabwe)
Anesu
machine draftwith God
Given nameShona (Zimbabwe)
Ropafadzo
machine draftwe are pleased
Given nameShona (Zimbabwe)
Tendai
machine draftbe patient
Given nameShona (Zimbabwe)
Chengetai
machine draftbe careful
Given nameShona (Zimbabwe)
Maita
machine draftpraises
Given nameShona (Zimbabwe)
Tatenda
machine draftwe are grateful
Given nameShona (Zimbabwe)
