The Culture, Traditions, and Heritage of Namibia

Namibian culture is quite like any other. The family is recognized as the basic unit of society and it is the head of the household who provides and manages the family’s expenditures and makes all those all-important decisions. Namibia used to be a patriarchal society, but ever since the women called for equal rights the government had to act for the good of all. The law was passed making men and women equal, but discrimination is still apparent in society. Women do have opportunities; however, it is extremely few to those that are offered to men.

In the light of developing relationships and family, it always starts with a great wedding; a union of two individuals. Marriage in Namibia is a social event that leads to marvelous festivities. The weddings are filled with food and dances that it becomes a grand celebration that incorporates the old and new ways of Namibian culture and tradition.

Culture can also be seen in the clothing that they wear. Women in different areas of Namibia do dress differently from each other. Some women wear traditional clothing while others wear Victorian styled clothing because of the influence of the missionaries in the area. The Herrero women wear traditional style clothing and dress themselves with traditional jewelry. You can also tell that one woman is different in rank by just observing their hairstyles. A certain hairstyle can tell you the age and social status of the woman on society.

Culture is important to any nation, and in Namibia we see a mixture of traditional native culture mixed with one that has influenced them.