About Zulu Tribe: Customs, Colors & Fashion Sense

November 29, 2014
DUNIA Contributor
Posted in Around The World

OVERVIEW OF ZULU TRIBE

- The Zulus belong to the largest ethnic group in South Africa. Making up about 22% of the country’s population.
- The word Zulu means “Sky”. Proud and strong, the Zulu began to establish their power in 1816 during the reign of King Shaka. The Zulus are known to be the only nation in the history of colonization to have defeated a colonial power, namely the English, at the Battle of Isandhlwana in 1879

ZULU ORIGINS

(Image source: Birdnest.org)

The four major ethnic divisions among Black South Africans are the Nguni, Sotho, Shangaan-Tsonga and Venda. The Nguni represent nearly two thirds of South Africa’s Black population and can be divided into four distinct groups; the Northern and Central Nguni (the Zulu-speaking peoples), the Southern Nguni (the Xhosa-speaking peoples), the Swazi people from Swaziland and adjacent areas, and the Ndebele people of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga. Archaeological evidence shows that the Bantu-speaking groups, that were the ancestors of the Nguni, migrated down from East Africa as early as the eleventh century.

ZULU SPIRITUALITY

Many Zulu people converted to Christianity under colonialism. However, although there are many Christian converts, ancestral beliefs have not disappeared. Instead, there has been a mixture of traditional beliefs and Christianity.

Ancestral spirits are important in Zulu religious life, and offerings and sacrifices are made to the ancestors for protection, good health, and happiness. Ancestral spirits come back to the world in the form of dreams, illnesses, and sometimes snakes. The Zulu also believe in the use of magic. Ill fortune e.g. bad luck and illness are considered to be sent by an angry spirit. When this happens, the help of a traditional healer is sought; the traditional healer then communicates with the ancestors, or uses natural herbs and prayers, to get rid of the problem.

ZULU COMMUNITY

The Zulu are fond of singing as well as dancing. These activities promote unity at transitional ceremonies – births, weddings, and funerals. Zulu dances are usually accompanied by drums and the men dress as warriors.

ZULU CULTURE

The Zulu term for “family” (umndeni) includes all the people staying in a homestead who are related to each other, either by blood, marriage, or adoption. Drinking and eating from the same plate was and still is a sign of friendship. It is customary for children to eat from the same dish, usually a big basin. This derives from a “share what you have” belief which is part of ubuntu (humane) philosophy.

Information source: Sahistory.org.za

ZULU TRIBE & PEOPLE PHOTOS

Zulu colors are best portrayed by Zulu women dressing and sense of style.

HRH Princess Nandi Zulu is the daughter of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu. She is one of the Zulu king’s 27 children by his 6 six wives. Source: Refinedguy.com