What is special about the Xhosa women?
Xhosa women wear some form of headdress to cover their heads as a sign of respect to the head of the family which is either their father or husband. Elderly Xhosa women are allowed to wear more elaborate headpieces because of their seniority.
What do Xhosa Married women wear?
Married women wear long aprons over their dresses, which are decorated with black bias binding, then, over the whole outfit they wear a cloak made from the same material. This outfit is known as isikhakha. Women carry a sling bag called inxili, which is used like a handbag. Jewellery is a must for Xhosa women.
Why do Xhosas cut their fingers?
An ancient Xhosa custom of amputating the joint of the little finger, or of the ring finger on babies is seen by many as an act of cruelty and torture. The Ingqithi custom is practiced by certain Xhosa speaking tribes and is common in the Tembus.
What happens at a Xhosa wedding?
Just like with most weddings the bride and groom are not allowed to see each other the day before the wedding. The wedding celebrations continue for at least two days and the entire event is usually very joyous, includes lots of dancing, singing and features a lot of umqombothi (traditional beer).
What does Xhosa outfit signify?
The Xhosa’s are a proud people and their cultural heritage is close to their hearts. Traditionally, the women’s clothing and ornaments show the stages of their lives. A certain headdress is worn by a newly married girl; a different style by one who has given birth to her first child, and so on.
What is special about Xhosa culture?
Ancestors commonly make their wishes known to the living in dreams. Xhosa religious practice is distinguished by elaborate and lengthy rituals, initiations, and feasts. Modern rituals typically pertain to matters of illness and psychological well-being. The Xhosa people have various rites of passage traditions.
What do Xhosa believe in?
Belief System The Xhosa people are traditionally ancestor worshippers but also believe in a creator who cares for them in the greater things in life and who protects them in extreme danger. The ancestral fathers, on the other hand, watch over the everyday lives of their descendants, their crops and their cattle.
Who are the Xhosa?
The Xhosa are a South African cultural group who emphasise traditional practices and customs inherited from their forefathers. Each person within the Xhosa culture has his or her place which is recognised by the entire community.
Why do Xhosa wear headdresses?
Xhosa women wear some form of headdress to cover their heads as a sign of respect to the head of the family which is either their father or husband. Elderly Xhosa women are allowed to wear more elaborate headpieces because of their seniority. Incebetha is a small blanket that is used as a bra.
Where are the Xhosa women carrying water?
Xhosa women carrying water in buckets on their heads in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. June 9, 2016 – Matatiele, Eastern Cape, South Africa – A XHosa women stands in fornt of her pink coloured house and is dressed in traditional clothes.
What jewellery do Xhosa women wear?
Jewellery is a must for Xhosa women. Traditional Xhosa jewellery such as earrings, necklaces and traditional collars are made from beads. Collars range in size – some go as far as the shoulders, while others flow over the shoulders halfway down the upper arm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4Ig9s5r8LM