The Bapedi tribe, also known as Pedi or Basotho, began as small chiefdoms formed as far back as the 17th century. These chiefdoms were defeated in the 19th century by the armies of Mzilikazi, however, Chief Sekweti of Pedi revived them some years after. The Bapedi people are a southern African ethnic group that speaks Pedi or Sepedi, a dialect popular with the Sotho-Tswana ethnolinguistic group. They are usually found in Limpopo and some other South Africa's northeastern provinces. There are some other Bapedi people in Botswana and other African countries. The Bapedi tribe practices various ancestral rituals; the Malopo ritual is the most fundamental among these. Malopo is the understanding of the Bapedi culture, which is generally referred to as go phasa. Every Bapedi native is expected to be well informed on their culture. Their rituals usually entail animal sacrifice and the presentation of beer by the Kgadi, who is the most regarded family member.
They believe that slaughtering cows and some other animals help them communicate better with their ancestors. Bapedi wedding ceremonies are held in such high esteem that even neighboring communities admire these events. After a show of interest by the intended couple, their families meet to discuss the wedding, and more importantly, the bride price, which they call lobola. The bride’s family, usually her parents if they are alive, request certain items from the groom’s family in exchange for their daughter. The most commonly requested items are money and livestock. After that is settled, they hold the wedding ceremony at the home of the bride or groom.
6 сен 2024
