Embracing the Zulu Culture

This year the Zulu nation is celebrating 200 years since it was formed by the great king Shaka kaSenzangakhona.

When a person dies in the Zulu culture, it is believed that they become idlozi (ancestor) and look after those who are still alive.

The burning of impepho or incense is used to communicate with ancestors regardless of the type of ritual being performed.

Zulu people are known for their respect and Ubuntu, everything they do they always do it with respect.

When a person passes away, a certain level of calm and respect is maintained at the home of the deceased in the days leading to the funeral.

No music or television can be switched on until the funeral and no noise is allowed and when the deceased is buried, family members cut off their hair and embark on a process called ukuzila or moaning.

That process is usually ended with a cleansing ceremony where a goat is slaughtered and in a way, the life of the deceased is celebrated.

After some time, another ritual called ukubuyisa is perfumed to bring the spirit of the deceased home.

This ceremony is usually a big occasion where a cow is slaughtered and the whole village is invited to come for a feat.

Zulu people are also known for their rich history and the wars they fought with other nations, one of the famous wars is the Battle of Isandlwana which took place in 1879.

This war saw the Zulu Impi armed with spears defeat the British which was armed with guns and when this war happened, the Zulu nation was under the leadership of Cetshwayo kaMpande.