There are more than 20
annual traditional ceremonies in Zambia, manifesting customs, social life, rituals, oral
history, material and spiritual culture and if you have the opportunity to attend one, do.
They provide a valuable insight to a traditional culture that has been passed down from
generation to generation.
The decline of traditional
customs and culture has been brought about by the infiltration of the west and western
ways and the melting pot of various tribes living in the same areas. There has recently
been a realisation of the value of traditions and a conscious effort is being made to
preserve them
Most of the ceremonies have a
deep meaning, in many cases designed to invoke memories of the transformation from
childhood to adulthood. Most tribes in rural areas still practice harmless initiation
ceremonies for girls which are generally conducted after puberty. They are intended to
help the girls make the transition from childhood to womanhood and prepare them for
marriage. Only a few tribes still practice male circumcision initiation ceremonies and
those that occur happen in total secrecy.
The open ceremonies that
visitors can watch are those that signify ancient times, when new kingdoms were being
founded by ancient chiefs and are usually splendid, colourful affairs with much symbolism
in their dancing and drumming.
