The Zulu community is known for its rich traditions and culture.
The Zulu culture, food, and clothing are pretty distinct.
Did you know the Zulu people usually call themselves “The People of the Heavens?
A Zulu woman in a shop selling souvenirs. Photo: @Getty Images (modified by author)Source: Getty Images
“The communityis the largest ethnic community in SouthAfrica, with about nine million people.
Learn about the Zulu culture, food, and clothing today.
They migrated south in the 16th century migrated south and settled in present-day South Africa.
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Origin
The Zulu community’s history can be traced back to the 14th century.
The community descended from the Nguni-speaking tribe.
People from this community were known for their military exploits.
A portrait of Zulu men in traditional outfits at Lesedi Cultural Village near Johannesburg. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Other communities feared the Zulu Kingdom.
They migrated south in the 16th century.
He led the ethnic group from 1816 to 1828.
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During Shaka’s era, young men received training in fighting and being warriors who defended their community.
This weakened the community.
Location
There are about nine million Zulu people.
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A significant percentage resides in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
The province is semi-fertile.
It has a flat coastal plain, highlands to the west, and multiple rivers.
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Due to rural-urban migration, people from this community are spread across South Africa and the neighbouring countries.
Language
Thetraditional languagein this community is called isiZulu.
Many people find the language fascinating because it is characterised by numerous clicks.
A beautiful woman in colourful beads smiling. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The language also features many idioms and proverbs.
A significant percentage of the population also speaks the English language.
These are the spirits of the dead with the power to heal or afflict.
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The community believes in a Supreme Being calledUMvelinqangioruNkulunkuluand in life after death.UMvelinqangihas never appeared to men.
As a result, no ceremonies are performed for the Supreme Being.
Instead,abaphansioramadlozimediate between people andUMvelinqangi.
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Religion
The Zulus believe in ancestral spirits, includingabaphansioramadlozi.
Traditionally, people made sacrifices and offerings to the spirits for happiness, good health, and protection.
People believed that spirits returned to the world in the form of illnesses, dreams, and even snakes.
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They also believed that angry spirits caused diseases and bad luck.
Many people converted to Christianity under colonialism.
Today, a significant percentage of the population is Christian.
Traditional male attire. Photo: @2goodphotograph, @2goodphotograph (modified by author)Source: UGC
Some still carry traditional beliefs.
All these are marked by sacrificing animals to ancestors.
Birth in this community is a colourful affair.
Colourful traditional outfits. Photo: @khanyows_accessories, khanyows_accessories (modified by author)Source: UGC
Only women are allowed during birth.
Various rituals are performed to strengthen the child.
Both mother and newborn are isolated from the rest of the family until the baby’s cord falls off.
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After it falls off, the mother is purified before resuming normal life.
The house is then cleaned thoroughly.
The father of the house is then allowed to meet his child.
A pot of chakalaka. Photo: @zola_neneSource: Instagram
Plenty of food and beer is availed to thank the midwives for assisting in the birth.
Traditionally, it was considered a great misfortune to be childless or only bear girls.
Marriage was not complete until a boy was born.
A bowl of Isijingi. Photo: @musa_kaySource: Instagram
This notion has changed, although some still stick to it.
This ceremony is for girls, and it marks their transition into womanhood.
On the morning of the ceremony, a girl undergoes a chastity test conducted by angobese(woman).
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Ululations hit the air for a chase girl.
She and her maidens then bathe in the river and wear traditional outfits in readiness for the ceremony.
During the ceremony, a cow is slaught*red.
Colourful woven products. Photo: @lisa_todd_designsSource: UGC
The girl is then presented with a spear as a symbol of their victory and strength.
When she gets home, she throws the spear.
The girl then blows a whistle to alert everyone it is time to gift her.
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After the ceremony, the girl is declared ready for marriage.
A woman sends a love letter to the young man she is interested in.
Dating begins when the young man declares his love for her.
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The relationship remains private until the man informs her parents he intends to marry their daughter.
There are three main stages when getting married.
On the D-day, atraditional wedding ceremonyis held at the groom’s home.
The bride leaves her home early, covered in a blanket.
Her father leads her to her new family.
People from this community believe that a body must be buried in the ground out of respect.
After death, a body undergoes elaborate rituals ofpurification and cleansingbefore interment.
Most rural families include extended relatives.
Respect for older persons in the household and the rest of the community is valued.
The family system is patriarchal, meaning the man is the authority figure in the home.
Polygamy is common if the man can provide for his wives and children.
Traditionally, women did not work.
Instead, they stayed home and took care of family matters.
This is gradually changing because more women are educated and able to earn a living.
The Zulu community is warm, and people are amicable.
They believe inubuntu,which means humanness or good disposition.
People greet each other whenever they meet.
It is customary for younger people to initiate greetings when they meet their seniors.
Traditional Zulu attire
Traditional attire in this community is bright and colourful.
Men, women, and children accessorise with beads.
Men wearamabheshumade of animal hides and skins.Amabheshulooks like a waist apron.
They also wear frilly goatskin bands on their arms and legs.
They also decorate their heads with feathers and fur.
Prince Misuzulu, the the reigning King of the Zulu nation, is known for wearing this attire often.
Married women wear an outfitcalledisidwaba.
It is a black skirt made of animal skin.
They also wear t-shirts to cover the top parts of their bodies.
On the other hand, unmarried women wear strings of beads to cover the chest area.
Today, clothes are modernised.
They also wear t-shirts or vests beneath the strings of beads to avoid exposing their bodies.
The community keeps cattle and farms.
As a result, most meals consist of cow and plant products.
Sharing the same plate or cup is a sign of friendship.
Children are normally served in a large plate or basin to date.
If you are looking for pictures of traditional Zulu food, check out some of them.
Uphuthuis cooked coarsely ground maize.
It is normally served withamazior curdled milk,as seen above.
Ujeqeis a jot down of steamed bread, usually served with curry or meat.
Umqombothiis a traditional beer.
It is rich in nutrients.
Chakalakais a refreshing, spicy tomato bean relish.
Isijingiis a mixture of pumpkin and maize.
Other delicioustraditional Zulu foodsin South Africa are explored below.
They also decorate gourds and calabashes.
Women also engage in colourful beadwork.
Zulu songs and recreation
Traditional Zulu ceremonies and rituals are characterised by singing and dancing.
Themusic incorporatesrhythm, melody and harmony.
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What traditional clothes do Zulus wear?
Men wearamabheshu, while women wearisidwaba.
They accessorise their outfits with colourful beads and headgear made of fur and feathers.
What do Zulus do when a baby is born?
Various rituals are performed before the father meets his child.
How many Zulu people are there?
There are about nine million Zulu people today.
A significant percentage of this population is based in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
The Zulu culture, food, and clothing are rich and colourful.
People from this community are known for their colourful beadwork, crafts, woven products, and pottery.
South Africa is one of the wealthiest countries on the continent in terms of cultural and natural diversity.
It has good weather, many natural resources, and geographical wonders.
She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019.
The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course.
you might email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelors degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University.
Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle.
In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.
She received the Writer of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024.
In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course.
Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
