The first heritage day was instituted in 1995 after the first elections post apartheid regime in South Africa. “When our first democratically elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our…
The 24th of September was originally a Zulu holiday dedicated to the remembrance of King Shaka, celebrated in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. When a bill was being passed in 1995 by the South African parliament to establish South Africa’s official public holidays, the Zulus objected that “Shaka Day” was excluded. The resultant decision was…
Since the holiday is focused on celebrating the history, creativity, food, language of different tribes everyone has a sense of belonging. Photo-Credit: Musa Group.
Heritage Day is a South African holiday where the diversity of culture, traditions and beliefs of South Africa are celebrated by its citizens. South Africans are given the opportunity to observe and celebrate their diverse cultural heritage.
What you need: An old handbag, clutch purse or school bag African print fabric (kitenge, Ankara) Some Glue A pair of scissors A knife 1. Remove the covering of your old bag, which will most likely be peeled leather or any other fabric for making bags. 2. Measure the fabric you need to wrap…
“Habesha” refers to people who come from Ethiopia or Eritrea in East Africa (at the horn of Africa). So a Habesha wedding is simply a wedding celebrated from these parts or by the Habesha people.
What is Melse or Melsi? A typical Eritrean or Ethiopian wedding runs for two days. The “white wedding” usually takes place on day one, while “Melsi” or “Melse” happens on day two. Melsi is the traditional wedding, beginning in the morning with beauty rituals for the bride; from braiding her hair, adorning jewelry to henna…
“Akokobaatan” – Mother Hen Symbolic of motherliness, parental care, discipline and tenderness. From the proverb “when the hen steps on the feet of her chicks, she doesn’t mean to kill them”. (Little box of squares forming a diamond shape)
