Malawi is located in the southeast part of Africa. Once known as Nyasaland, the landlocked country is located near Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. The Malawi culture is defined by art, music, dance, and native and colonial traditions.
The name of this region derives from Maravi. These Bantu people came from Congo centuries ago. The group that arrived divided when it reached the northern Lake Malawi. The Chewa, as they are known today, moved south down the western area of the lake. The other group, which is considered to be ancestors of Nyanja, moved to the southern part of this country and the east area of the lake. A united society in Malawi was not formed until around the twentieth century.
There are numerous tribes that inhabit this area. Some well-known groups include Chewa, Tumbuka, Nyanja, Yao, Sena, Lomwe, Ngonde, Tonga and Ngoni. The most prolific of these tribes is Chewa, which had officially become the language in Malawi. Children learn at a young age how to speak in Chewa, their regional tribal language and English. There are many languages used in this area. Chewa and English are the most widely spoken. However, those who travel to the northern regions will hear more people speak in Tumbuka.
No national dress is specific to the men. They typically wear western clothes, such as t-shirts and jeans. There are many, however, who may wear religious clothing or robes. The women do have a national dress. Traditionally they wear Chitenje, a piece of clothing that is similar to a sarong. This large cloth often includes an elaborate design or pattern. Women are also seen wearing matching headcloth and blouse, if they are able to afford it. The Chitenje can be used in many different ways, such as: oven mitts, head scarf and baby carrier. There are an assortment of designs for certain occasions and usually women wear their best clothes to church on Sundays.
Nsima is a dish typical of this country. The dish is made from mixing maize flour with water to form a thick porridge. Usually this porridge is served with beans or vegetables and families that have money may add meat as well. Rice, cassava, carbohydrates, minimal sauce and stodge are standard for Malawian food.
The flag of this country includes three horizontal stripes. One is black with a red rising sun in its center. The sun symbolizes the freedom and hope for the continent of Africa and the black color represents African people. The red symbolizes the blood shed by martyrs of freedom and green represents the nature in the country.
Dance is a major part of the culture. In 1987, the government created the National Dance Troupe. Celebrations, marriage ceremonies, rituals and initiation rites are just some of the events where the traditional music and dances are performed. Soccer is a popular sport in this country, and oil painting, wood carving, basketry and mask carving are common.
The Malawi culture involves a lot of sports, dance and art. There are several different tribes that live in this landlocked country in Africa. Chewa and English are the main languages spoken, Nsima is a popular food and Chitenje is the national dress of the women.
The name of this region derives from Maravi. These Bantu people came from Congo centuries ago. The group that arrived divided when it reached the northern Lake Malawi. The Chewa, as they are known today, moved south down the western area of the lake. The other group, which is considered to be ancestors of Nyanja, moved to the southern part of this country and the east area of the lake. A united society in Malawi was not formed until around the twentieth century.
There are numerous tribes that inhabit this area. Some well-known groups include Chewa, Tumbuka, Nyanja, Yao, Sena, Lomwe, Ngonde, Tonga and Ngoni. The most prolific of these tribes is Chewa, which had officially become the language in Malawi. Children learn at a young age how to speak in Chewa, their regional tribal language and English. There are many languages used in this area. Chewa and English are the most widely spoken. However, those who travel to the northern regions will hear more people speak in Tumbuka.
No national dress is specific to the men. They typically wear western clothes, such as t-shirts and jeans. There are many, however, who may wear religious clothing or robes. The women do have a national dress. Traditionally they wear Chitenje, a piece of clothing that is similar to a sarong. This large cloth often includes an elaborate design or pattern. Women are also seen wearing matching headcloth and blouse, if they are able to afford it. The Chitenje can be used in many different ways, such as: oven mitts, head scarf and baby carrier. There are an assortment of designs for certain occasions and usually women wear their best clothes to church on Sundays.
Nsima is a dish typical of this country. The dish is made from mixing maize flour with water to form a thick porridge. Usually this porridge is served with beans or vegetables and families that have money may add meat as well. Rice, cassava, carbohydrates, minimal sauce and stodge are standard for Malawian food.
The flag of this country includes three horizontal stripes. One is black with a red rising sun in its center. The sun symbolizes the freedom and hope for the continent of Africa and the black color represents African people. The red symbolizes the blood shed by martyrs of freedom and green represents the nature in the country.
Dance is a major part of the culture. In 1987, the government created the National Dance Troupe. Celebrations, marriage ceremonies, rituals and initiation rites are just some of the events where the traditional music and dances are performed. Soccer is a popular sport in this country, and oil painting, wood carving, basketry and mask carving are common.
The Malawi culture involves a lot of sports, dance and art. There are several different tribes that live in this landlocked country in Africa. Chewa and English are the main languages spoken, Nsima is a popular food and Chitenje is the national dress of the women.
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