Marriage and Family

Traditionally, marriage takes place soon after a girl reaches adolescence. In all marriages, elders are consulted and negotiations for the lobola, which is the bride-price or dowry, take place. Both church and traditional wedding ceremonies are common, although some couples choose to simply register at a district office. The influence of Christianity has decreased the traditional practice of polygamy. 5.53 children per woman (2001)

Extended families in Zambia are often large. In the extended family, a father’s brothers are also considered “fathers” and a mother’s sisters are also considered “mothers.” Similarly, cousins are considered “brothers” and “sisters.” Other members of the same clan who are not actually blood relations may also be considered siblings. Some families are matrilineal, but most are patriarchal. In patriarchal families, the father is considered the head of the family. In matrilineal families, the mother’s brother has the greatest authority. An infant is constantly with its mother, usually tied on her back with a piece of cloth, and public breast-feeding is common. After weaning, child care is a community responsibility.

The elderly, chiefs, and others of high status are shown great respect. The care of the elderly is deemed to be a privilege rather than a burden. It is considered extremely important to attend funerals of relatives and neighbors in order to show solidarity and respect.

Eating

Nshima, a dough or thick porridge most commonly made from maize meal, is the dietary staple. In the north people often make it from cassava, and near the Zambezi River they often use millet. It might be eaten with a relish made of fish or meat stew and vegetables. Breakfast consists of bread or nshima and tea or coffee. Zambians in rural areas often eat sweet potatoes and groundnuts. Fresh fruit and vegetables are fairly abundant during and following the rainy season. On average, people have two hot meals a day plus breakfast. Consumption of beer is heavy; although bottled beer is available, many rural inhabitants brew their own.

In many homes, people eat meals from communal dishes. Zambians normally eat using the fingers of their right hand. Some people use utensils, mainly with food such as rice or potatoes, but also with nshima. Water is served with meals. In some areas, especially in villages, the men eat separately from the women and children.

Socializing

Greetings in Zambia vary. For example, in the Copperbelt region, a common phrase is Mwapoleni (“Welcome”); in and around Lusaka, Mulibwanji (“How are you?”) is common; and in the south the preferred term is Mwabonwa (“Good to see you”). On formal occasions adults address each other as “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Miss” with the family name, rather than their first names. All local languages have equivalent forms of these terms. People generally shake hands when greeting, with the left hand supporting the right to show respect. Women and children often kneel when addressing elders or those of higher status; men may curtsy slightly. Greetings that incorporate clapping and the gentle art of thumb squeezing are also practiced, especially in the Western, North-Western, and Luapula provinces. Physical contact while greeting a member of the opposite sex is not acceptable traditionally.

Appointments are necessary for official or business matters, but in rural areas people tend to be flexible about time, unless one is visiting the local chief. Having a visitor in a home at any time is considered an honor. In many Zambian cultures, unexpected visitors at mealtimes are expected to join in eating the meal, and it may be considered discourteous if they do not. Both hands are extended when presenting and receiving a gift, and kneeling when giving a gift is also customary in many parts of the country.

Recreation

Traditional dancing is the main form of entertainment in Zambia. In the cities there are opportunities to enjoy soccer, tennis, basketball, golf, discos, ifisela (drama), and recreational activities organized by churches, volunteer organizations, and social and sports clubs.

Holidays and Celebrations

Zambia’s national holidays include New Year’s Day (1 January), Easter (Friday through Sunday), Labor Day (1 May), Youth Day (19 March), African Freedom Day (25 May), Heroes and Unity Day (first Monday and Tuesday in July), Farmers’ Day (first Monday in August), Independence Day (24 October), and Christmas Day (25 December). Harvest celebrations, initiation rites, ancestor veneration, and other traditional ceremonies do not have fixed annual dates.

Source: Encarta Interactive World Atlas

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