Beliefs and traditions of the Swahili people
The Swahili people have some beliefs and traditions that define and make their culture unique. Some of these were made in the early ages and may have changed over time.
Respect of one another between members of the Swahili society is highly upheld. It is believed that disrespect for persons older than you will result into curses. Younger members greet older members of society by shaking and kissing their hands politely. Also, there are particular sets of responses to greetings. For instance, age mates do not greet each other the same way they will address older persons.
In some parts of the Swahili people, they believe in magic and witchcraft activities. Magician and witches are used to healing persons of various ailments. Also, they are used to punish members of the society who do ills for example thieves.
From the old times, men are the heads of the households. Women are expected to abide and listen to their husbands. Women are normally accustomed to being in the compound doing household chores. Men spend much of their time during the day with other men in public places discussing a broad range of issues.
It is believed that if a person wrongs another one for example through theft or bodily harm, nature will punish you later in life. In cases where an individual murders or causes death of another one, the spirits of the dead person will haunt him or her.
Polygamy is accepted in the Swahili society. It is believed that a man with many wives is superior. Due to this, men tend to marry several wives. It has been a tradition from the old times where their rulers had several wives.
The people of Swahili origin embrace sharing and helping one another in times of need. They believe in one another and are ready to offer any aid needed to one of them or even to strangers. This habit is passed on from generation to generation since they believe that by giving and helping, one becomes blessed to gain more.
In events of happiness like weddings, people dance and have fun. Consumption of alcohol during these developments is also common. In fact, Swahili people are associated with having fun and enjoying their lives with minimal stress.
