🇿🇼Zimbabweans (all communities)
Zimbabwe as a whole, including families of European and other origins rooted there for generations: born there, raised there, of there.
Customs they practice
7 recorded rites, each with its steps and its WHY.
The 21st and the key
The Southern African 21st birthday rite: a large (often ornamental) key is presented before family and friends, with speeches that hand the young adult the trust of the house: carried from Britain generations ago, now practiced across communities.
🇿🇦 🇿🇼 🇳🇦South Africans · Zimbabweans · Afrikaners
The kitchen tea
The Southern African bridal shower with a household purpose: the women of both families and the bride’s friends gather, stock her kitchen gift by gift, and hand over marriage advice with the sugar spoons.
🇿🇦 🇿🇼 🇳🇦South Africans · Zimbabweans · Afrikanersfor women
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
Dzinza · Baby Naming
Dzinza is a naming ceremony where the newborn is introduced to the family and community, and a name is chosen based on the circumstances of the birth or the family's history. The ceremony involves the elders and family members gathering to discuss and agree on a name.
🇿🇼Zimbabweans
Unxolo · Forgiveness
Unxolo is a custom of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation within the family, often after a conflict or misunderstanding. The ceremony involves a ritual of asking for forgiveness and making amends.
🇿🇼Zimbabweans
Mashawe · Ancestor Worship
Mashawe is a custom of ancestor worship, where families honor their ancestors through rituals and offerings. The ceremony involves the family coming together to offer food, drink, and other gifts to their ancestors.
🇿🇼Zimbabweans
Siku Ya Kufa · Funeral Rites
Siku Ya Kufa is a custom of funeral rites, where the community comes together to mourn and honor the deceased. The ceremony involves a series of rituals and traditions, including the washing and dressing of the body, and the singing of funeral songs.
🇿🇼Zimbabweans