Malawi, also known as the Republic of Malawi, is located in southeast Africa. The landlocked country was formerly called Nyasaland. It is nearby Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. The Malawi culture combines colonial and native aspects, including art, music and dance.
The name derives from the Maravi, Bantu people who immigrated from Congo hundreds of years ago. The group divided when it reached the northern Lake Malawi. One group moved south down the western bank of the lake and became known as Chewa. The other group, ancestors of Nyanja people, moved to the east side of the lake and the southern area of this country. A true, united Malawian society did not develop until the twentieth century.
There are many different tribes live in this country. Some of said groups include the Yao, Ngonde, Ngoni, Chewa, Tonga, Tumbuka, Lomwe and Sena. Chewa is considered the most prolific of all the Malawian tribes, as it is now recognized as the official language of Malawi too. Kids learn this language, as well as their tribal language and English, while they are young. There are numerous languages in this area of the world, but English and Chewa are spoken the most. In some northern regions, Tumbuka is widely spoken.
No national dress is specific to the men. They typically wear western clothes, such as t-shirts and jeans. There are many, however, who may wear religious clothing or robes. The women do have a national dress. Traditionally they wear Chitenje, a piece of clothing that is similar to a sarong. This large cloth often includes an elaborate design or pattern. Women are also seen wearing matching headcloth and blouse, if they are able to afford it. The Chitenje can be used in many different ways, such as: oven mitts, head scarf and baby carrier. There are an assortment of designs for certain occasions and usually women wear their best clothes to church on Sundays.
Nsima is a dish typical of this country. The dish is made from mixing maize flour with water to form a thick porridge. Usually this porridge is served with beans or vegetables and families that have money may add meat as well. Rice, cassava, carbohydrates, minimal sauce and stodge are standard for Malawian food.
The flag of this country includes three horizontal stripes. One is black with a red rising sun in its center. The sun symbolizes the freedom and hope for the continent of Africa and the black color represents African people. The red symbolizes the blood shed by martyrs of freedom and green represents the nature in the country.
The dances of these people are a strong part of this culture. In November of 1987, the local government formed the National Dance Troupe. Traditional dances and music can be seen during rituals, celebrations, initiation rites and marriage ceremonies. Soccer is a popular sport in the country. There is a rich tradition of mask carving, basketry, oil painting and wood carving.
The Malawi culture involves a lot of sports, dance and art. There are several different tribes that live in this landlocked country in Africa. Chewa and English are the main languages spoken, Nsima is a popular food and Chitenje is the national dress of the women.
The name derives from the Maravi, Bantu people who immigrated from Congo hundreds of years ago. The group divided when it reached the northern Lake Malawi. One group moved south down the western bank of the lake and became known as Chewa. The other group, ancestors of Nyanja people, moved to the east side of the lake and the southern area of this country. A true, united Malawian society did not develop until the twentieth century.
There are many different tribes live in this country. Some of said groups include the Yao, Ngonde, Ngoni, Chewa, Tonga, Tumbuka, Lomwe and Sena. Chewa is considered the most prolific of all the Malawian tribes, as it is now recognized as the official language of Malawi too. Kids learn this language, as well as their tribal language and English, while they are young. There are numerous languages in this area of the world, but English and Chewa are spoken the most. In some northern regions, Tumbuka is widely spoken.
No national dress is specific to the men. They typically wear western clothes, such as t-shirts and jeans. There are many, however, who may wear religious clothing or robes. The women do have a national dress. Traditionally they wear Chitenje, a piece of clothing that is similar to a sarong. This large cloth often includes an elaborate design or pattern. Women are also seen wearing matching headcloth and blouse, if they are able to afford it. The Chitenje can be used in many different ways, such as: oven mitts, head scarf and baby carrier. There are an assortment of designs for certain occasions and usually women wear their best clothes to church on Sundays.
Nsima is a dish typical of this country. The dish is made from mixing maize flour with water to form a thick porridge. Usually this porridge is served with beans or vegetables and families that have money may add meat as well. Rice, cassava, carbohydrates, minimal sauce and stodge are standard for Malawian food.
The flag of this country includes three horizontal stripes. One is black with a red rising sun in its center. The sun symbolizes the freedom and hope for the continent of Africa and the black color represents African people. The red symbolizes the blood shed by martyrs of freedom and green represents the nature in the country.
The dances of these people are a strong part of this culture. In November of 1987, the local government formed the National Dance Troupe. Traditional dances and music can be seen during rituals, celebrations, initiation rites and marriage ceremonies. Soccer is a popular sport in the country. There is a rich tradition of mask carving, basketry, oil painting and wood carving.
The Malawi culture involves a lot of sports, dance and art. There are several different tribes that live in this landlocked country in Africa. Chewa and English are the main languages spoken, Nsima is a popular food and Chitenje is the national dress of the women.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.inaturals.net for more helpful information about General Facts On Malawi Culture
No comments:
Post a Comment