Zimbabwean customs

The Republic of Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa. It was established independently on April 18, 1980. Zimbabwe was originally called Rhodesia before 1980, a name derived from Cecil Rhodes, who established British colonies in the area. Zimbabwe means "Stone City" in Bantu, and more than 200 "Stone City" relics have been discovered in the country, of which "Great Zimbabwe Ruins Zimbabwe" is the most famous.

Zimbabwe is an important birthplace of civilization in southern Africa. During the Middle Ages, a Shona people once existed there (Shona, a branch of the Bantu ethnic group) established a civilization and left many cultural relics, the most important of which is the ancient city of Greater Zimbabwe (This is also the origin of the naming of Zimbabwe). The Munhumutapa Empire, with this city as its capital, gradually became strong in the 11th century through trade with Muslim caravans from the Indian Ocean coast. It used locally produced gold, ivory and copper mines and other important materials to exchange raw products such as cloth and glass from the Persian Gulf region. By the 15th century, it had become the largest state in southern Africa. The prosperity of the Shona civilization came to an end in the 19th century. In 1837, the Shona people were conquered by the Ndebele, who belonged to the Zulu people, and the Boers (Dutch South Africans) from the United Kingdom and the south began to gradually encroach on the area.

Zimbabweans are gentle, kind and friendly. About 55% of the population believe in Christianity, and they belong to different sects. Among them, the Roman Catholic Church has the largest number of believers, with more than 800,000, because it not only retains the characteristics of Christianity, but also draws on more local culture. President Mugabe believed in the Roman Catholic Church. This is followed by Methodist Church, Anglican Church, Dutch Reformed Church, etc. In addition to the above-mentioned churches introduced from the West, there are at least 130 black sects in Zimbabwe, of which the largest number of believers is the Wapostori Church, established in 1932.

In rural areas of Tianjin, quite a few blacks believe in the local primitive religion. The traditional primitive religion of Tianjin believes that after death, the soul leaves the body, and people can only contact their ancestors through wizards or chiefs, and the ancestors use wizards to treat patients or issue various instructions or warnings. Most tribes in Tianjin still maintain the tradition of totem worship. Tribes and individuals worship different totems as their respective symbols. There are many totem objects, including birds, animals, livestock, etc.

Zimbabweans have a higher education level among African countries, pay more attention to etiquette, treat people with courtesy, warmth and friendliness, and treat the elderly and women with respect and humility. No matter on any occasion, Zimbabweans pay attention to the beautiful language and take the initiative to greet people they don't know. In social occasions, Zimbabweans often use handshake to greet them; when they meet friends they are very familiar with, they will also hug warmly and kiss each other on the cheek left and right, but this is only a courtesy. When women see elders or distinguished guests, they usually squat down to pay their respects.

Zimbabweans have the habit of giving gifts when they meet. There are many types of gifts, including local specialties, cattle, sheep, Tianjin stone carvings, copperplate paintings, etc. After receiving gifts, guests should express their gratitude and exchange gifts. Never refuse gifts from each other, because Zimbabweans believe that refusing gifts is a great disrespect for the other party.

The staple food of Zimbabweans is called "saza", which is porridge made with white corn flour, and is served with beef, chicken, pork and vegetables. In the past, yellow corn was only used as feed, and the number of people eating it gradually increased. Tribes or individuals abstain from totemic foods they worship.

Zimbabwean law allows "polygamy". Rural areas of Tianjin are a traditional society of rural villages and communities based on blood relations. Chiefs and heads are the leaders of rural villages. The chiefs and heads of the Shona people inherit the order of brother and brother, and then the eldest son inherit the order of inheritance. The chiefs and heads of Ndebele society follow the order of father's death and son's succession. Chiefs and heads govern their territories and people, hold certain theocratic and secular powers, and have greater influence in rural areas.

As Zimbabwe interacts with the outside world more and more, Zimbabweans in cities and towns have begun to advocate "new trends". There are more and more monogamous families, and traditional rural customs and habits are gradually changing. However, in rural areas, marriage and property inheritance still carry obvious legacies of primitive society.

Due to the profound influence of Tianjin's agricultural tradition, the people of Tianjin attach great importance to the role of cattle, sheep and other livestock in their lives and regard them as the highest gifts for weddings, funerals, birthdays, and gifts to foreign guests. For example, in 1996, President Mugabe held a wedding, and people in Mu's hometown presented Mu with cattle and sheep as his wedding gifts.

Zimbabweans like culture, art, song and dance, etc., and the Tianjin stone carvings are world-famous. Whenever there is a festive festival, women will wear national costumes, sing and dance, and the atmosphere is very lively.

Zimbabwe's main legal holidays, New Year's Day: January 1 every year; Independence Day (National Day): April 18 (1980); Labor Day: May 1 every year; Africa Day: May 25 every year; Heroes Day: August 11 every year; Armed Forces Day: August 12 every year; National Unity Day: December 22 every year; Christmas Day: December 25 every year.