STUDENT NO: 40539083

As individuals we are profoundly influenced by cultural teachings rooted in traditions passed down from one generation to another, our beliefs and values often serve as guidance in our daily lives. Reflecting on how I was raised in a ZULU household, have identified two teachings that have profoundly shaped how I view things, offering me insights into life, relationships and the world at large.

The importance of acknowledging ancestors, according to our culture we see ancient elders who come before us as our guardian angels spiritually, we believe that they have an ability to bless, guide and protect us. As a gifted child who was born chosen and given a gift of healing traditionally by my ancestors, they serve as an important aspect of my life and rely on them to convey messages through dreams to those who are still alive, for healing or protection purposes. We usually slaughter cows or goats for rituals aimed at honoring them, we believe in the existence of ancestral spirits, that these spirits are present in our daily lives. Ancestral reverence occurs throughout important life events such as birth, marriage and death, we usually perform rituals to honor their departed souls and seek blessings. If a child is born EN - CAUL which means being born covered by a membrane called an amniotic sac, we believe that the child comes as a direct gift from GOD and comes with gifts of healing spiritually from ancestors, therefore elders have to slaughter a goat as a form of ritual in order to open their blessings, if not performed they may experience bad luck and remain poor whereas they were destined for greatness. We also communicate with them directly through using incense, we believe that when we light it, they have an ability to hear us and respond. 

Importance of kindness and respect, we are taught from a very young age about how crucial it is to do acts of kindness and show respect towards everyone to make the world a better place, be it young or old. Which takes me back to most famous saying that ''UMUNTU NGUMUNTU NGABANTU'' which translates to ''I AM BECAUSE WE ARE'' practicing humanity shapes us and other people. Women are also taught to also respect themselves and be pure until marriage, hence why we the famous annual reed dance, it is often seen as a rite of passage for young women marking their transition into adulthood. The dances and rituals done there connect the present generation our ancestors and preserve cultural traditions. This important ceremony brings people together, strengthening social bonds and fostering a sense of shared identity within us Zulu people, the vibrant displays of music, dance and traditional attire showcase our rich cultural heritage, attracting people from all over the world. The Zulu Reed Dance attracts tourists worldwide, offering a glimpse into Zulu culture and traditions. 

All of these have shaped me as a woman and changed how I view life as a whole, how I treat other people and how they experience me as a human being.