Lesotho culture

Lesotho culture people food and festivals 

People & Culture

According to the Lesotho Bureau of Statistics, preliminary results of the population census conducted in April 2006 put the country´s total population at 1872 721, with some 23.74 % of Lesotho inhabitants now living in the urban areas. Basotho speak the national language, Sesotho, and a vast majority speak excellent English which is a second language widely used in government and commerce as well as in schools. The next most commonly spoken language in Lesotho is Zulu, which is spoken by approximately a quarter of a million people in the Botha-Bothe district and in the vicinity of the Caledonspoort border post. Phuthi and Xhosa are also spoken. Although many Basotho still live and work outside the country, their attachment to their local village and traditional culture is still strong. The family is still the dominant unit, and respect for the elder generation is important. Basotho culture is centred on village life, and most traditions and festivals relate to local village life and the seasons of the year. Of all our people it is the Matabele who have preserved their traditions best, and their traditional dance Ndlamo is now a great way to celebrate throughout much of Lesotho, No traditional wedding is complete without this colourful dance. Basotho people are predominately rural, and getting around mountainous areas has always been difficult. However, the Basotho pony is ideal for local transportation and so breeding and riding these surefooted ponies is very important.

Arts and Crafts of the Basotho

Basotho people are renowned for their crafts. Traditional products have a reputation for quality, individuality and variety. They have a universal appeal, and have helped to give Lesotho a strong identity. They all make wonderful souvenirs of a visit to Lesotho. Lesotho has a justifiable reputation for its fine wool and mohair weaving. Tapestries, which are completely hand-woven, are works of art that display their own unique character, and are noted for their beauty, softness and strength. The artistic talent of many Basotho women also finds expression in the fine knitwear including pullovers, scarves and other personal items. The herds of sheep and goats that roam the hillsides provide the skins and hides for an abundant supply of sheepskin products

Food and Economy

Food in Daily Life. A three-stone fireplace in the courtyard is the focal point of the Basotho women's daily activity. Here they prepare the pot of cornmeal porridge (pap-pap ) which is the staple of the Basotho. Usually a sauce of peas, chopped greens, or other vegetables accompanies the thick porridge, and on special occasions a chicken is added to the pot. During the summer season, local peaches, and small, hard fruits add variety to the diet. In the winter, family members sit around the three-stone fireplace and roast ears of dried corn.

A local beer ( joale ) is brewed in a large vat placed on the three-stone fireplace. This beer is the center of informal neighborhood gatherings and provides a small income for the family. Milk is often served as a soured drink.

Maseru has a number of modern restaurants that are mostly patronized by business and professional people and tourists

Marriage, Family, and Kinship

Marriage. Lesotho is a blend of past and present, traditional and modern beliefs and practices. While church ceremonies are customary for weddings, the practice of extracting brideswealth from the man's family continues, making a family of daughters a lucrative situation. In turn, the bride becomes the property of the man, and leaves her family to live with the family of her husband.

Domestic Unit. The domestic unit consists of any number of the extended family. Often second or third cousins become "brothers" or "sisters." Grandmothers become official mothers. By tribal custom, widows become a wife of the brother or other male member of her deceased husband's family.

Kin Groups. The clans of the Sotho are often named for animals such as crocodiles and bears. The line of descendants is through the male, and members of the same clan are allowed to marry relatives as close as cousins.

Religion

Religious Beliefs. Religion in Lesotho is a mix of traditionally based ancestor worship and Christianity (about 80 percent), with a small representation of Islam. The main church groups are Catholic, Anglican, and Dutch Reformed. The dominance of the Catholic religion reflects the church's involvement in education, with over 75 percent of all primary and secondary schools being owned and managed by Catholics. Many church services include traditional Lesotho rituals such as chanting, drumming, and cultural costumes

Liberia culture

Liberia culture people food and festivals 

Liberia History, Language and Culture

History of Liberia

Little is known for sure about this slice of West Africa prior to the 14th century. However, historians believe the indigenous population of Liberia are likely to have descended from migrants fleeing the Maliand Songhey Empires between the 13th and 16th century

During this period, European traders established contact with coastal communities whose inhabitants became fluent in many languages. The slave trade both expanded this connection to the rest of the world and caused deep changes in legal and social structures within Liberia, draining the country of skilled, youthful people.

As resistance to the slave trade grew, a movement began in the USA called the American Colonisation Society (ACS), which sought to return African slaves back to their motherland. Critics say the ACS was borne out of fear that freed slaves would pose a threat to American society, but, nevertheless, the group established the colony of Liberia in 1822 and sent thousands of emancipated slaves there to start new lives.

Indigenous Liberians allowed the new arrivals to share their land, but were surprised when the settlers didn’t abide by the laws of the local chiefs. Scuffles ensued. So in 1847 the settlers, aided by the United States, formed a republic to reinforce their right to rule themselves and to defend themselves against a series of indigenous attacks.

Traditional and Western lifestyles coexist; however, traditional values, customs, and norms influence the Western type considerably. In cities both Western and African music and dancing styles are in vogue, but in rural areas traditional rhythms are favoured. Schools instruct students in the legends, traditions, songs, arts, and crafts of African culture, and the government promotes African culture through such agencies as the National Museum in Monrovia, the Tubman Center for African Culture in Robertsport, and the National Cultural Center in Kendeja, which exhibits architecture of the 16 ethnic groups of Liberia. Mask making is an artistic pursuit that is also related to the social structure of some ethnic groups. Music festivals, predominantly religious, are held in most communities. The University of Liberia has an arts and crafts centre. There are several libraries, including a children’s library in Monrovia and a National Public Library

Lebanon culture

Lebanon culture people food and festivals 

Lebanese Society and Culture

The People

There has deliberately not been a census in Lebanon since 1932, before its formation as an independent nation. This is due to the political consequences a major shift in the population dynamics an accurate census could have. The population is generally viewed in terms of religion. The predominant differences between people are those between Muslim and Christian sects. The proportion of each is politically sensitive so estimates from different sources vary widely. What is known is that approximately 90% of the population is urban rather than rural.

Religion(s)

• Lebanon is a religious mish-mash and this has ultimately been the cause behind social tensions and the long, drawn out civil . The government officially recognizes 18 religious sects of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
• Religious differences are built into government and politics. Christians are guaranteed 50% of the seats in parliament. The President is always a Christian and the Prime Minister and Speaker of the House are Muslims. The Druze are awarded 8 seats in parliament. The government maintains that this system prevents one community from gaining an advantage over the others.
• Religion affects almost all areas of culture. Family laws such as divorce, separation, child custody, and inheritance are handled in religious courts and there is not a uniform system for all citizens. Map of Lebanon

Food and Economy

Food in Daily Life.Lebanese cuisine is Mediterranean. Pita bread is a staple. The Lebanese enjoyhummus(a chickpeadip),fool(a fava bean dip), and other bean dishes. Rice is nearly a staple, and pasta is very popular. Salted yogurt is common in many dishes. Red meat and chicken are common but are usually eaten as part of a dish. Pork is less popular, since it is forbidden under Islamic law.

Eating in Lebanon is tied to family: people almost never eat alone. The Lebanese consider eating out a social and almost aesthetic experience. Hence, restaurants usually have a pleasant view, of which Lebanon's geography affords many.

Social Stratification

Classes and Castes.There is no caste system in Lebanon. Money is now the most important factor in determining class lines. The middle class suffered a great loss of wealth during the war, and the gap between the very rich upper class and the lower class has widened. As a result, there have been numerous strikes and demonstrations. Differences in wealth and status often occur along religious and family lines.

Symbols of Social Stratification.All Christians and most Muslims who live in the cities wear European style clothes. In poorer Muslim towns and in some Muslim areas in the main cities, one may still find the Muslimchador(the veil traditional Muslim women wear). In the countryside, women sometimes wear traditional colorful skirts and men wear a traditionalserwal(baggy trousers).

Marriage, Family, and Kinship

Marriage.Arranged marriages are rare, although they still exist. The country's present economic crisis has rendered money, a secure job, and a home big factors in contracting marriages.

Polygamy is legal among Muslims; however, it holds a social stigma, and very few people choose this lifestyle.

Religious courts decide on issues of marriage and divorce. Divorce is easy among Muslims, harder for Orthodox Christians, and most difficult in Maronite communities. The divorce rate remains very low.