The Sepedi culture
Sepedi is also sometimes referred to as Sesotho sa Laboa or Northern Sotho. The language of Sepedi is spoken by approximately 4,208,980 individuals and it is one of the eleven official languages in South Africa.As many religions and cultures do, Sepedi has their own traditions. Many people take a liking to this culture and language because of their wedding ceremonies. The bride and grooms closest family members will get together to discuss the wedding and most importantly, the lobola.
The Ndebele
Although the origins of the Ndebele are shrouded in mystery, they have been identified as one of the Nguni people. The Nguni people represent nearly two thirds of South Africa's African population and can be divided into 4 distinct groups:
§ Central Nguni (Zulu-speaking)
§ Southern Nguni (Xhosa-speaking);
§ Swazi (from Swaziland and adjacent areas); and
§ Ndebele (of Limpopo Province and Mpumalanga).
Ndebele women traditionally adorned themselves with a variety of ornaments, each symbolising their status in society. After marriage dresses became more elaborate.
The Ndebele have always been known for their artistic skill. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, it has a cultural significance that serves to reinforce the distinctive Ndebele identity. The skill of the Ndebele has always resided in their ability to combine exterior sources of stimulation with traditional design concepts taken from their ancestors.
Although painting was done freehand, without prior layouts, the art always displayed a linear quality reflective of their environment. Ndebele women were responsible for painting the colourful and intricate patterns on the walls of their houses. This presented the traditionally subordinate wife with an opportunity to express her individuality and self-worth.
The Ndebele are further characterised by their intricate beadwork - a time-consuming craft which requires a deft hand and good eyesight.
In traditional Ndebele society it was believed that illnesses were caused by external forces such as curses or spells that were put on individuals and the power of a traditional healer (Sangoma) was measured by his or her ability to defeat this force.
Cures were effected either by medicines or by the throwing of bones. All Sangoma were mediums, able to contact ancestral spirits. Some present-day Ndebele still adhere to ancestral worship but many have subsequently become Christians and belong to the mainstream Christian churches or to one of the many local African churches.
The Marriage
What happens here is the bride’s family, normally her mother and father, request certain items from the groom’s parents in exchange for their daughter. The items that are normally asked for are things like money and livestock, but they can literally ask for anything. If they would like a bottle of brandy, they can ask for that, or a television, whatever they ask for, the groom’s parents cannot refuse otherwise their son may not marry whom he wishes to marry.
When the couple is married and everyone has been to congratulate them and the ceremony is done, a cow or sheep will be slaughtered and the meat is equally divided to both the families. Then the fun starts; the music played at Sepedi weddings is normally that of kiba music, which only the men are allowed to dance to.
The Garments
The Sepedi/Ndebele are noted for their Colorful dress and their art, which includes sculpted figurines, pottery, beadwork, woven mate, and their celebrated wall painting. An outstanding example is the breaded nguba, a "marriage blanket" which the bride to be, inspired by her ancestors, makes under the supervision and instruction of the older women in her ethnic group. Traditionally the women work the land and are the principal decorators and artists, while the men fashion metal ornaments such as the heavy bracelets, anklets and neck rings that are worn by women.
Ndebele/Sepedi homes are, perhaps, the most eye-catching local style. Women, using bright primary colors, traditionally paint walls of the rectangular structures. No stencils are used for the geometric motifs.
SERETO SA MONANG WA LEDIKOA LETEBELE LEKWANKWA
Ke tjitjiri a hlajwa diala mogale a hlajwa maditotoana. Ke manaka a mahwibidu a hwibiditje motjehiri.
Ke bommalegopole le gopotje batho temong, legopoje le ba matladi a motumong. Ageeeee ageeee dumela matumi a mangana, mogale a phyaphya diatla, o phyaphya le marumo a morapi wa dira. O swara dikotse, a swara dihlabani dilo tja go hlabana dintwa
Ageee matebele weeeeee weeee