Traditions of Kenya

Kenya is a country where more than 70 tribal groups live simultaneously. Among them are the Maasai, Samburu and Turkan tribes. In their traditions there is much in common, although there are also tribal characteristics. Kenyans have a rich and very original culture, a strong sense of national unity, pride in the country, and veneration of the customs of their ancestors. Let's talk about the basic traditions of Kenya, affecting both festive events and everyday life.

Wedding traditions and customs

The rite of circumcision is one of the most important among African peoples, including among the Kenyans. It symbolizes the onset of puberty and becomes a facet of the transition from childhood to adulthood. Men before the ceremony of circumcision undergo special training.

Also, among the customs of Kenya is the Lobole rite or, in simple terms, the ransom of the bride. The size of the ransom, along with the other details of the marriage, the groom negotiates with the girl's father. Sometimes the size of Lobol is a fairly large amount, which the groom, who has already become a husband, can pay several years, sometimes even after the birth of children. Before he does not pay the whole amount, a young husband can not consider children born in a family to be his own.

Wedding ceremonies are one of the most interesting customs in Kenya. They pass very solemnly and are celebrated on a grand scale, with songs and national dances.

1. The girl up to the marriage must necessarily keep her virginity.
2. The bride's hands and feet are covered with henna patterns that she wears during the first year of her marriage, confirming her new social status.
3. During the first wedding night, next to the newlyweds is the elder woman of the family, supporting morally and rendering help to inexperienced young people in love.
4. Another tradition is the wearing of women's clothes in the first month after the wedding, this symbolizes tolerance and respect for women and their domestic responsibilities.

Other interesting customs

1. Greeting . Kenyans who do not adhere to Islam usually give each other their hands at meetings. In this case, if you greet a person with a higher social status, then you should first grab the wrist of your right hand with your left hand for a few seconds and then make a handshake.
2. Occupation type . And in our time in Kenya, you can meet the masters of carving wood and stone, weaving artisans, who use in their work receptions, known to them since the times of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers, and sacredly honor the traditions of their ancestors.
3. Table traditions . Before eating, all without fail wash their hands. If guests are invited to the meal, then they are served first, and then, respectively, to men, women and children. Women and children are allowed to start eating only after the start of the meal of the elder man in the family. Kenyans first eat and then drink, so all drinks are served at the end of the dinner. In addition, it is not customary in Kenya to leave food on plates - this is a sign of bad taste and disrespect towards hospitable masters.
4. Gifts . The traditions of Kenya extend to gifts. It is not customary to scatter money and donate luxurious gifts, practical things that are practical for everyday use are welcomed. In Kenya, a very revered holiday is Christmas, on this day everyone congratulates each other and presents presents. If you are invited to visit, as a gift to the owners should grab tea and sweets to the table. Also, alcoholic drinks are considered an excellent gift in the country.
5. Language . Traditional and compulsory for studying in Kenya are two languages ​​- Swahili and English, although there are many more local dialects - kikuyu, lohia, luo, kikamba and others. Young people also quite often use the language Sheng in their speech, which is a mixture of Swahili, English and some local languages.
6. Religion . On the coast of Kenya and in the eastern regions of the country, the traditional religion is Islam. Muslims make up about a third of Kenya's total population. In other parts of the country you can meet Christians of different faiths and those who adhere to local beliefs.
7. Power . In Kenyan cuisine , meat and bean dishes predominate. An example is Nyama choma, which is fried meat, mostly goat meat. Dishes here are high-calorie, inexpensive and often absolutely not suitable for gourmets and vegetarians. One of the traditional drinks in Kenya is beer, Kenyans love it very much and drink a lot, which is why its production is well developed in the country.
8. Entertainment . Kenyans are great fans of music and dances. The main musical direction here is Benga - this is the style of modern dance music. Very popular bengu singers are Shirati Jazz, Victoria Kings, Globestyle and The Ambira Boys.
9. Clothes . By traditional clothing, tribal groups in Kenya can be distinguished. For example, in Masai, the main color in clothes and ornaments is red, while Masai women prefer to wear bracelets and necklaces from beads. And women from the Turkan tribe decorate themselves with multi-layer necklaces of beads.