Who started Lebollo?
In 1902, Lentshwe authorized an initiation school after being persuaded from his people. The Basotho initiation ritual did not reoccur until 1975 when other chiefs took over and reintroduced the practice.
What happens at Basotho initiation school?
Basotho initiation practices entail cultural education together with traditional male circumcision as central components of the rite of passage from boyhood to becoming an adult man. This is significantly different from the rites of other cultural clans who place an emphasis on traditional male circumcision only.
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 happens at Ndebele initiation school?
Through the process of initiation, males and females are inducted into traditional lore and the deep mysteries of the group. This knowledge is passed on from one generation of initiates to the next, ensuring that the transfer of knowledge is maintained, and the cultural solidarity of the group reinforced.
Why do Basotho wear blankets?
worn by initiates would have burned with the lodge. Nowadays, poverty compels Basotho to salvage all but tattered hides. After coming down from the mountains, the initiates are clothed in new blankets. They must wear them for a given time.
What is circumcision in Xhosa?
Ulwaluko is a Xhosa word that refers to an initiation ritual. Circumcision is one of the rituals performed. The ritual aims to instil good moral and social values.
Do girls go to initiation school?
Speaking about the initiation of women, he explained that women go to initiation school to mark their transition into womanhood. This is marked by their first menstrual period. They are taken to the bush away from influences and taught the law and how to behave as a woman.
Is Umemulo for virgins only?
Umemulo ceremony preparation Chastity is highly valued at this stage with the crowning jewel being the Umemulo ceremony that is solely for virgins. Once a girl reaches 21 and having fulfilled her Zulu tradition obligation she can now prepare for her Umemulo.
Are Zulus circumcised?
In contrast to the Xhosa practice of full circumcision, Zulus traditionally promoted partial circumcision (ukugweda). Here, the foreskin is not removed, but an elastic band of tissue under the penis glans is cut, allowing the foreskin to move easily back and forth.
What is Lebollo and why is it important?
Initiation ( lebollo) has from time immemorial played a significant role for both men and women in the Sesotho cultural setting. It was even the very foundation on which Moshoeshoe formed the culture of the Basotho. It is owing to its social functions that the rite still continues to be at the core of the Basotho’s hearts even today.
What is Lebollo la basadi?
Lebollo la basadi also known as female initiation among the Basotho is a rite of passage ritual which marks the transition of girls into womanhood. This activity is still practiced in the Free State province of South Africa however, not widely. In Sesotho, lebollo means initiation.
What is Lebollo la banna?
Lebollo la banna is a Sesotho term for male initiation. Lebollo is a cultural and traditional practice that transitions boys in the Basotho society to manhood. It is a rite of passage where dzwiya (transl. “boys”) pass puberty and enter adulthood to become monna (transl. “men”) by circumcision.
Where does the rite of passage of lebolla take place?
The rite of passage of ‘lebolla’ commonly occurs in rural areas where the Basotho are more traditionally oriented. It occurs on farms and small villages where the resources and environment aid in creating the setting for the rituals.