By Jemimah Chungu
Valued cultures are difficult to be phased no matter how much they are spited by interlopers. It is no wonder they are termed at “valued”. They are valued as Religious, cultural and fashion practices. Here are some unexpected viewed as bizarre customs that may antagonis people knowing they are not phasing out by the doers or wearers because of the Moral purpose and significance;
1: Endogamy marriages within families; some ethnicities have religion and cultures that urge to marry within their families most commonly cousins. In some instances some of these marriages are polygamous marriages whereby the man marries two of his cousins who can be sisters or cousins. In instances other women get married to their uncles and even brothers
This is a common practice among many African ethnicities that are far apart across regions. Some of these include; the Kasai and Luba in the democratic republic of Congo, the Ashanti in Ghana, the Sotho-tswana in South Africa Fulani Of Nigeria, the kpelle of Liberia, Lunda people of northwestern Zambia southern part of Congo and north eastern Angola, The Mandinka of southern Mali, the Gambia, southern Senegal and eastern Guinea, The Wolof people of Senegal, Gambia, and southwestern coastal Mauritania, the Chewa of Malawi Mozambique and Zambia, And many ethnicities.
Marriages with families are not only acceptable but valued so as to maintain financial and social status of the family as opposed to having peoples outside the family get access to that, maintain family matters, customs and norms within themselves and also to be assured of love as families naturally bond and love each other. Perhaps this is the reason for fewer cases of GBV and marital murder cases in these cultures.
2: FGM female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice prevalent in Mediterranean and sub-Saharan African societies whereby Parts of the female genitals are cut off so as to reduce their sexual desire thereby reducing sexual immortality in their societies. This tradition, rooted in cultural beliefs about purity and modesty, significantly impacting women’s fashion choices. Women in these communities often cover themselves with hijabs and opt for modest attire as a reflection of their cultural values.
2: the Jihab; the Jihab is an apparel for women which coverers the hair and body leaving only the face exposed. the Jihab And similar apparel are fashioned to prevent malicious sexual immorality in society and general mutual gender respect. In Islam for instance, The Quran tells the prophet Muhammad to ask Muslims His family members and other Muslim members to garb an outer garment when they are out doors to prevent harassment.
4: Lip plate; The lip plate is fashioned by the Surma ethnic group not just for beauty but also for symbolism and other important purposes. It is fashioned for events such as marriage ceremonies, milking cows, welcoming important visitors and other important events. It is also fashioned to boost self-esteem, for social status and hierarchy, and also as a fashion exhibition; the bigger the plate the more you are fashion oriented and/or highly regarded in the social hierarchy.
The culture of this jewelry is especially important in marriages from preparation to marriage itself. The accessory is a symbol of reaching of age and ready for marriage. It also determine the bride price because it is associated to social hierarchy; women with large and/ or well-designed lip plates are worth a higher bride price. The lip plate determines marital commitment and the value of the marriage. It is fashioned to accessorize looks and complement facial makeup to look good for the spouse. It can also be considered as simply as symbol of being a married woman as widowed women are not supposed to garb the lip plate because it is believed that their beauty has faded and the need to beauty for the spouse is no more.
The lip-plate is also simply used for identity as it is unique and fashioned by a known group of people.
5: The Kayan neck fashion accessory; this is a fashion accessory that some people may find bizarre
Kayan people of Thailand wear fascinating neck rings to make their necks look longer. this neck jewelry is garbed by continuously twisting it around the neck, pressing the shoulders down. It is a beauty standard within the Kayan to look or have longer necks. This is uncommon but it’s long existing trend for people in this place.
‘So just because something is not your choice, that doesn’t make it a bad choice’!!!
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