What happens in 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.

What is done at initiation school?

Initiation schools are cultural schools which young males and females attend to be taught the values, principles, hardships, respect and accountability within their cultural tradition. This happens over a specific, defined period, usually two to six months, and this may occur during winter or summer.

What the initiation celebrates or observes?

Initiation is a rite of passage marking entrance or acceptance into a group or society. It could also be a formal admission to adulthood in a community or one of its formal components. In an extended sense it can also signify a transformation in which the initiate is ‘reborn’ into a new role.

What is circumcision in Xhosa?

Ulwaluko is a Xhosa word that refers to an initiation ritual. The purpose is to transform boys into men. Circumcision is one of the rituals performed. The ritual aims to instil good moral and social values.

Why are initiation rituals important?

These ceremonies provide structures for instruction in traditional knowledge, but, more important, they reintegrate an individual into kin, community, and cosmos when new status is attained. Ceremonial initiation into adulthood is widely practiced among South American peoples, for both males and females.

At what age does the person attend initiation?

The initiation practices of isiXhosa, Basotho and amaHlubi2 are the most dominant in the Western Cape. No particular age is specified for these rites (boys between the ages3 of 18 and above undergo initiation).

Who is the promoter in Lebollo la basadi?

The promotor, known as ‘monga mophato’ promotes the initiation school thus ‘owns’ the initiation school. Promoters usually devote their entire lives to facilitating initiation schools and become more sought after with more years of experience. The promoter is responsible for supplying food, which includes the slaughtering of animals for ceremonies.

What is the meaning of 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.

Who is the Lebollo and what does he do?

The basuwe perform rituals and teach the initiates about cultural and health issues. A monga lebollo is the one who establishes lebollo in a particular area and owns the particular initiation school.

What does Lebollo mean in the Basotho rite of passage?

In Sesotho, lebollo means initiation. The Basotho rite of passage ritual, unlike other practices in Africa, does not involve procedures which remove parts of the female genital organ. However, the inner folds of the labia are enlarged & elongated by stretching for a more pleasurable sexual experience.