What happens during Xhosa initiation?
The Xhosa male initiation ritual consists of various stages such as pre-initiation preparation, the circumcision operation itself, seclusion in the initiation cultural setting and reintegration into society.
What happens at Sotho initiation school?
In Xhosa and Sotho culture, the initiation process takes place in a remote area, referred to as “the bush” or “mountain” and includes circumcision. The Xhosa initiation ceremonies have been controversial because many boys get hospitalised and there are numerous reports of botched circumcisions.
How long do you stay at initiation school?
Description. Traditional Basotho initiation schools are conducted over a period of time (varying from a few weeks to six months) in secluded areas away from settlements, which are often referred to as “the bush” or “the mountain”.
How long is initiation school?
In the past, the period of initiation traditionally lasted eight weeks. Now, it rarely lasts longer than three weeks. A boy normally goes to the initiation school during winter or summer school holidays and by the time he goes, his return date is already known.
What is initiation in Xhosa?
Ulwaluko is a Xhosa word that refers to an initiation ritual. The purpose is to transform boys into men. Circumcision is one of the rituals performed. The ritual aims to instil good moral and social values.
How is initiation done?
Examples of initiation ceremonies might include Christian baptism or confirmation, Jewish bar or bat mitzvah, acceptance into a fraternal organization, secret society or religious order, or graduation from school or recruit training.
What causes death at initiation schools?
Eleven deaths have already been recorded since the beginning of the summer initiation season late last year. Like most initiation seasons, the most common causes of death are complications from infections —or dehydration.