Jambo* and welcome to Tanzania at Christmas time! Here are the specials for Christmas time in Tanzania…
Together we explore the diverse culture of the East African country, which gives a home to over 100 tribes and many religions. It is estimated that about a third of the population are Christians who celebrate Christmas just like us – and yet something different. Thus, the birth of Jesus is not celebrated in frosty temperatures in the snow, but at 30 Celsius, because at Christmas in Tanzania is midsummer. Here, as in the whole world, it is the time when the family comes together and the children are looking forward to it. The Tanzanians usually give themselves new clothes, because for the people of the East African country it is a tradition to dress up again at Christmas.
Christmas with the Massai
The most famous of Tanzania’s more than 100 tribes is the Massai tribe, some of whom are Christians. For Christmas they meet under trees near a public market. They kill a cow or goat and fry their meat over an open fire on sticks. They do not use salt as they believe it spoils the taste of the meat. As in many ceremonies, the Masai is a drink, beef blood mixed with milk. This covers the protein and calorie requirements and is at the same time good for the immune system. By the way, use this milk – in solid consistency – also as a lotion, which exudes a very unique smell.
The Christmas celebration ends with the traditional dance of the Maasai, the Adumu: While the women – standing in a semicircle and singing – throw their heads in the neck and let the Rastas circle, the warriors jump up with a stick in the middle of the semicircle as high as possible. Lich.
Searching for traces
Presumably, the Maasai came between the 17th and 17th. And 18th century in search of new pastures over the Great Rift Valley to East Africa. They settled parts of Kenya and conquered Ngorongoro Crater and the surrounding savannah land in the battle against the Mbulu and Datoga tribes. The image of the “warlike Maasai” is still present today.
Why are the Masai so well known to this day?
Despite their comparatively small population, the Masai are probably the most well-known ethnic group in East Africa, because they still preserve their culture and traditions to this day. Her colourful garments – called Shuka – are particularly striking in the colours red, blue, black, yellow and green.
The Masai are originally a nomadic shepherd people: they do not have a fixed house, but build from wooden scaffolding, which is reinforced with cow dung, so-called Bomas, in which the young cattle are also accommodated. Find the Masai eie new area for the grazing of their cattle they break off the Bomas and build new ones, On the menu of the Masai is mainly meat, milk and beef blood.
The Life of the Masai
In the culture of the Maasai there is a clear distribution of roles. The women shape everyday life: they cook, procure the firewood for the cooking fires and are responsible for milking the cattle. The men go through several stations, from the child to the eldest. They stay with their mother until the age of seven and help her with her daily tasks. Between the ages of 7 and 14, they are used as shepherd boys and assist in the search for water. Through initiation at the age of 15 to 25, they become so-called warriors. Whereas in the past it was their task to protect cattle and women from theft, today they defend their cattle and goats mainly against wild animals. From the age of 35, they stay at home and lead the clan: they marry – usually several women – and teach the young Masai in the traditions of the clan.
If you want to get to know the fascinating culture of the Masai and experience the adventure Tanzania in all its facets, then contact us and we plan your dream holiday together!
*Jambo is Swahili and means hello
