Culture of Somalia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Islam and poetry have been described as the twin pillars of Somali culture. The clan structure and the nomadic lifestyle are also major influences.

Contents 1 Language 2 Religion 3 Clan system and marriage 4 Food and drink 5 Plastic arts 6 Miscellaneous 7 National holidays 8 References

[edit] Language

See also: Somali language, Languages of Somalia

Somali was a mainly oral culture.

Facility with language is highly valued in Somali society; the capability of a suitor, a warrior, or a political or religious leader is judged in part by his verbal adroitness. In such a society, oral poetry becomes an art, and one's ability to compose verse in one or more of its several forms enhances one's status.

Speakers in political or religious assemblies and litigants in courts traditionally were expected to use poetry or poetic proverbs. Even everyday talk tended to have a terse, vivid, poetic style, characterized by carefully chosen words, condensed meaning, and alliteration.

[edit] Religion

See also: Islam in Somalia

It is estimated that northern Somalis began converting to Islam around the 10th century.

Almost all Somalis are Sunni Muslims and Islam is vitally important to the Somali sense of national identity, though traces of pre-Islamic traditional religion exist in Somalia. Many of the Somali social norms come from their religion. For example, men shake hands only with men, and women shake hands with women. Many Somali women cover their heads and bodies with a brightly-coloured hijab when they are in public. In addition, Somalis abstain from pork, gambling, and alcohol, and receiving or paying any form of interest. Muslims generally congregate on Friday afternoons for a sermon and group prayer. Accordance with these prohibitions depends on each individual's level of orthodoxy.

Most Somalis don't belong to a specific mosque or sect and can pray in any mosque they find. Celebrations come in the form of religious festivities, two of the most important being Eid al Adha and Eid al Fitr which marks the end of the fasting month. Families get dressed up to visit one another. If they can afford it, money is donated to the poor.

[edit] Clan system and marriage

See also: Somali clan

Somali society is organized into clan families, which range from 100,000 to over one million in size. The six main clans are: Darod, Hawiye, Dir, Digil, and Rahanweyn. There are also a number of smaller clan groups. Each of the large clan families is divided into lineage units, typically ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 members. It is possible for Somalis to know how they are related simply by giving their name and clan membership.

Somalis deeply value the family with the strength of family ties providing a safety net in times of need and suffering.

Arranged marriages are common in Somalia. In the case of arranged marriages, the bride is usually much younger than the groom. Marriage to a cousin from the mother's side of the family (of a different lineage) is traditionally favored to strengthen family alliance, but this practice is not as common as earlier. Virginity is valued in women prior to marriage. In addition, divorce is legal in Somalia. Romantic marriages are becoming more common and are now the majority of marriages in Somalia. But even these choices are influenced by the partner's clan.

[edit] Food and drink

Main article: Cuisine of Somalia

Traditionally, the main meal of the day is eaten at lunchtime and Somali people usually begin their day with a flat bread called canjeero or laxoox, liver, toast, cereal or porridge made of millet or cornmeal. Lunch can be a mix of rice or noodles with meat and sauce. Later in the day a lighter meal is served which includes beans, muffo (patties made of oats or corn), or a salad with more Anjeero.

It is considered polite to leave a little bit of food on the plate when eating at a Somali house. This tells a Somali host that a guest has been given enough food. If a guest were to clean their plate that would indicate that the guest is still hungry. Most Somalis don't take this rule very seriously, but it is certainly not impolite to leave a few bites on your plate.

[edit] Plastic arts

In a nomadic culture, where one's possessions are frequently moved, there is little reason for the plastic arts to be highly developed. Somalis embellish and decorate their woven and wooden milk jugs and their wooden headrests.

[edit] Miscellaneous

Traditional dance is important, though mainly as a form of courtship among young people. Saving face is very important to Somalis, so indirectness and humour are often used in conversation.

[edit] National holidays

Apart from the religious festivals, holidays include June 26, which celebrates the north's independence, and July 1, which celebrates the unification of the North and South.

[edit] References

• This article contains material from the Library of Congress Country Studies, which are United States government publications in the public domain.