Questions and Answers about Culture & Lifestyle
Umushanana is usually made of silky and polished materials which helps it flow. Stiff cotton fabrics can give a heavy look and feel. The outfit comprises a wrap skirt bundled around the waist and a sash draped on a shoulder. It is important to choose your colours and patterns according to your body shape and…
The bride’s family is responsible for suggesting what sort of Dowry they would like. The two families then agree on these items, which are to be delivered before their arrival for the next visit. Popular gifts that are given as Dowry for the bride are: Local beer “Amaarwa and Urwagwa”, usually presented in pots. Cattle…
“Gusaba” is a Kinyarwanda word meaning ‘to ask’. It is a traditional Rwandan ceremony where the family of the husband-to-be officially asks for the lady’s hand in marriage. In Africa marriage is seen not just as something that happens between two people, but two families. Marriage ceremonies in Rwanda are no exception, asit is believed…
Gutwikurura is the ceremony of “unveiling”, as the bride is believed to have been “veiled” from the outside world. The Gutwikurura is actually the last phase in the Rwanda traditional wedding process. It is during this phase that the new wife is visited by her family with some gift items to help her settle in…
The Umushana is the traditional attire of Rwanda. It is also worn in Burundi and part of Uganda. It is usually worn during special occasions, especially weddings and is fast becoming a fashion item. Thinking of adorning the Umushana? Pay attention to the following tips: 1. Carefully select your fabric type Umushanana is usually…
The Albaso braids is the traditional hairstyle of the habesha (from Ethiopia and Eritrea). To make the Albaso hairstyle, seven large cornrows are braided or woven over rolled hair tubes . These large corn rows are alternated with smaller cornrows, while loose curly hair is left at the back.
Habesha kemis is the Ethiopian traditional attire worn by the Habesha women from Ethiopia and Eritrea. The Habesha kemis was originally ankle length dress with a bodice and sleeves, but theses days you can see modern Habesha kemis of various lengths and styles. The Habesha kemis is a handmade embroidered cotton…
The Habesha are located in the highlands of Eritrea and Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, the Habesha are from the North part of Ethiopia, specifically, the Tigre, the Agew, the Beta Israel and the Amhara. During the Axumite Empire, in the first century, Sabaean traders from Southern Arabia came into the region and intermarried with the natives,….
