I am a proud member of the Xhosa ethic group, with a rich cultural background that is filled with firmly held beliefs and teachings. These ancestors' wisdom have greatly impacted not only my identity but also my perspective of the world. In this blog, I reflect two Xhosa tradition teachings that I find to be guiding and inspiring.

Ubuntu: The essence of Humanity: The basic concept of "Ubuntu"- which is summed up in the phrase " Umntu ngumntu ngabantu"- which translates to " A person is a person through other people"- lays the foundation of Xhosa philosophy. Ubuntu highlights the interdependence of all people as well as the value of empathy, compassion, and support from others. I was instilled\raised with the value of Ubuntu from a young age, learning or understanding that our relationships with others validate or enhance our humanity. I now have a strong sense of duty to my community as a result of this teaching, which inspires me to always think about the well-being of others and work toward harmony and unity. I try to live up to the spirit of Ubuntu through my interactions, understanding that each person's well-being is entwined with the welfare of humanity as a whole. 

Respect for Ancestral Rituals and Wisdom: Respect for traditional wisdom and ritual-obedience are two further pillars of Xhosa culture. These customs, which range from initiation ceremonies to ancestral ceremonies, act as a link between the spiritual world and our forefathers and the current generation. I learned to value and respect the wisdom that our ancestors impaired to us through storytelling and ceremonial traditions, realizing it's continuity significance in directing our lives. This belief gave me a strong feeling of identity and roots, grounding me in the midst of uncertainty in life.