What happens at a Basotho initiation school?
It is a rite of passage where dzwiya ( transl. “boys”) pass puberty and enter adulthood to become monna ( transl. “men”) by circumcision. Many government-based organizations provide clinical circumcision, but many Basotho still opt for circumcision at traditional initiation schools due to cultural beliefs.
What is done at initiation school?
Initiation schools are cultural schools which young males and females attend to be taught the values, principles, hardships, respect and accountability within their cultural tradition. This happens over a specific, defined period, usually two to six months, and this may occur during winter or summer.
What is Xhosa initiation?
The Xhosa male initiation ritual consists of various stages such as pre-initiation preparation, the circumcision operation itself, seclusion in the initiation cultural setting and reintegration into society. As a way to prepare him for the difficulties that lie ahead, an initiate is encouraged to be ‘strong’.
What is the purpose of initiation?
Initiation is a rite of passage marking entrance or acceptance into a group or society. It could also be a formal admission to adulthood in a community or one of its formal components. In an extended sense it can also signify a transformation in which the initiate is ‘reborn’ into a new role.
What is the Sotho culture?
The Basotho, also known as Sotho speakers, are said to have originated from the north of Southern Africa. The Basotho made their way down as various tribes settled in different parts of the country. Up until 1822, these tribes lived together in peace until they were invaded by fugitive Nguni who had fled from Natal.
Why is Ulwaluko important?
Ulwaluko is a Xhosa word that refers to an initiation ritual. The purpose is to transform boys into men. Circumcision is one of the rituals performed. The ritual aims to instil good moral and social values.
What happens in Ulwaluko?
Who is Tshawe?
Tshawe is the third son of Nkosiyomntu who is the grandchild of Xhosa. Xhosa is the brother of Zulu and Swati and these were the sons of Nguni ka Ntu. Zulu tribes practise almost the same principles as Xhosa tribes but not circumcision.
What do you do for initiation?
25 Sorority Pledge and Initiation Ideas
- Plan a Retreat – Take a group trip with the newest members.
- Race on Roller-Skates – Get your racing shoes on and bring everyone to a roller skating rink to listen to great music and enjoy everybody’s collective clumsiness.
What was the role of initiation school in Basotho?
Initiation school used to play a big role in the life and growth of young adults within the tradition of Basotho. Attending initiation school marked a coming of age for both males and females. It was a rite of passage that everyone had to go through. It is at these schools that girls and boys were taught how to be contributing members of society.
How old do you have to be to go to initiation in Lesotho?
Currently, most initiates from the Free State and Lesotho attend initiation between the ages of 12 and 15 with only a few initiated above the age of 15. The boys usually attend the initiation school during the holiday break between primary school and high school.
How old do you have to be to be a Sotho chief?
Initiation rites among the South Sotho became central to both the homestead and the chieftainship in the 19th century. It was the chief who periodically called upon all boys of a certain age (usually between 16 and 20 years of age) to undergo the ritual.
Who are the traditional teachers in the Basotho?
Traditional initiation teachers, known as basuwe in Sesotho, are commonly elderly men with substantial economic, political, and social standing within Basotho communities. The basuwe perform rituals and teach the initiates about cultural and health issues.
