Family Life
In Sudan, there are clearly defined gender roles. It's part of the country's culture and traditions. From a young age, girls and boys are brought up differently. By tradition, the father is the head of the household. He makes all the decisions. But it's not just fathers who have responsibilities. Men, regardless of their position and age are responsible for their mothers, sisters and aunts which means providing the financial support.
Women lead very busy lives and their role is to take care of the children, the sick, the elderly, along with running the household. According to how Islam is practised in Sudan, girls and women are expected to act and dress in a certain way. Girls must be escorted when they leave the house and should wear a headscarf and modest clothing.
In Sudan, there are clearly defined gender roles. It's part of the country's culture and traditions. From a young age, girls and boys are brought up differently. By tradition, the father is the head of the household. He makes all the decisions. But it's not just fathers who have responsibilities. Men, regardless of their position and age are responsible for their mothers, sisters and aunts which means providing the financial support.
Women lead very busy lives and their role is to take care of the children, the sick, the elderly, along with running the household. According to how Islam is practised in Sudan, girls and women are expected to act and dress in a certain way. Girls must be escorted when they leave the house and should wear a headscarf and modest clothing.
Food
In Central Sudan we see the most diverse assortment of cuisines as this is where so many different cultures from all over the country have come together. Sudan like other cultures started off with their staple foods and over time developed into more sophisticated cuisines. External influences on Sudanese food can be traced to Syrian traders and Arabic settlers from the Mediterranean. Spices like garlic and peppers, specifically red pepper along with dishes such as meatballs and pastries which were not well known in Sudan until they were introduced. The staple meal in Sudanese food is a special type of bread called Kissra which is made of corn and Durra and eaten with a stew. These stews are made of dried meat, dried onions, spices and peanut butter. There are many other types of stews that are eaten in Sudan but this is the staple. An appetizer for this meal would be parts of a sheep eaten raw like the lungs, liver and stomach and are called Elmaraara and Umfitit. With these they will add peanut butter, onions and salt.
Food in Sudan tends to be fairly simple, seasoned with salt, pepper or lemon. Staples include asida, a porridge made from millet or sorghum, and a flat bread called kisra. Lamb and chicken are eaten, often in stews, which may also contain tomatoes, onions, potatoes, eggplant or okra. Beans and lentils are also often used and salads may accompany the meal. Dried or smoked fish is commonly eaten in the south. In traditional areas meals may be communal, with diners using kisra to dip into or scoop from a bowl or bowls of food shared by all. Coffee is a popular beverage. To make Sudanese guhwah coffee, the beans are fried and then ground with cloves and spices. Hot water is passed through the grounds, the brew is strained through a grass sieve, then served from a pot called a jebena. Tea is also popular after a meal is finished.
In Central Sudan we see the most diverse assortment of cuisines as this is where so many different cultures from all over the country have come together. Sudan like other cultures started off with their staple foods and over time developed into more sophisticated cuisines. External influences on Sudanese food can be traced to Syrian traders and Arabic settlers from the Mediterranean. Spices like garlic and peppers, specifically red pepper along with dishes such as meatballs and pastries which were not well known in Sudan until they were introduced. The staple meal in Sudanese food is a special type of bread called Kissra which is made of corn and Durra and eaten with a stew. These stews are made of dried meat, dried onions, spices and peanut butter. There are many other types of stews that are eaten in Sudan but this is the staple. An appetizer for this meal would be parts of a sheep eaten raw like the lungs, liver and stomach and are called Elmaraara and Umfitit. With these they will add peanut butter, onions and salt.
Food in Sudan tends to be fairly simple, seasoned with salt, pepper or lemon. Staples include asida, a porridge made from millet or sorghum, and a flat bread called kisra. Lamb and chicken are eaten, often in stews, which may also contain tomatoes, onions, potatoes, eggplant or okra. Beans and lentils are also often used and salads may accompany the meal. Dried or smoked fish is commonly eaten in the south. In traditional areas meals may be communal, with diners using kisra to dip into or scoop from a bowl or bowls of food shared by all. Coffee is a popular beverage. To make Sudanese guhwah coffee, the beans are fried and then ground with cloves and spices. Hot water is passed through the grounds, the brew is strained through a grass sieve, then served from a pot called a jebena. Tea is also popular after a meal is finished.
Housing
Sudanese people live in simple houses of their own or rent from landlords or agricultural-scheme authorities. Over half of all housing units were gottias which are single rooms with round mud walls and a conical straw roof. About one third were menzils which are multi-room houses with toilet facilities. Of all dwellings, over 80% were owned. Almost every house, even in the cities, has a walled courtyard or garden. In the big cities, bungalows are provided for important government officials and high-level foreign employees. A national housing authority provides low-cost housing to government employees, rural schoolteachers, and persons in low-income groups.
Sudanese people live in simple houses of their own or rent from landlords or agricultural-scheme authorities. Over half of all housing units were gottias which are single rooms with round mud walls and a conical straw roof. About one third were menzils which are multi-room houses with toilet facilities. Of all dwellings, over 80% were owned. Almost every house, even in the cities, has a walled courtyard or garden. In the big cities, bungalows are provided for important government officials and high-level foreign employees. A national housing authority provides low-cost housing to government employees, rural schoolteachers, and persons in low-income groups.
Greetings
The Sudanese have a very formal way of greeting people and expect foreigners to respond in a similar manner. The host generally inquires about the visitor, his family, his health and his general well-being. After this the Sudanese host will begin to discuss business. It is considered impolite to inquire about the hosts wife at any point, especially coming from a westerner.
When two males meet it is expected that they shake hands and tap each other’s shoulder at the same time. Women on the other hand will hug and occasionally rub cheeks with one and other.
When a person visits the home of a Sudanese person they will be offered with refreshments and snacks. They are not asked if they would like them but presented with them and it is up to the visitor if they consume them or not.
If a person is invited to somebodies house for dinner the way they are invited must be done in a certain way. For example a man must clarify if the invitation is for also his wife. Then dinner is served at 9 o clock or 930. After dinner tea is served and shortly after the visitors must leave. It is common courtesy of the host to offer second servings to the visitor as they are very concerned about pleasing them.
At the dinner table men and women sit on opposite sides of the room and it is considered rude for a western man to point his feet at an arab. When beaconing someone it is also considered highly disrespectful to point at someone. The way it is politely done is facing your palm down and gesturing to come here.
The Sudanese have a very formal way of greeting people and expect foreigners to respond in a similar manner. The host generally inquires about the visitor, his family, his health and his general well-being. After this the Sudanese host will begin to discuss business. It is considered impolite to inquire about the hosts wife at any point, especially coming from a westerner.
When two males meet it is expected that they shake hands and tap each other’s shoulder at the same time. Women on the other hand will hug and occasionally rub cheeks with one and other.
When a person visits the home of a Sudanese person they will be offered with refreshments and snacks. They are not asked if they would like them but presented with them and it is up to the visitor if they consume them or not.
If a person is invited to somebodies house for dinner the way they are invited must be done in a certain way. For example a man must clarify if the invitation is for also his wife. Then dinner is served at 9 o clock or 930. After dinner tea is served and shortly after the visitors must leave. It is common courtesy of the host to offer second servings to the visitor as they are very concerned about pleasing them.
At the dinner table men and women sit on opposite sides of the room and it is considered rude for a western man to point his feet at an arab. When beaconing someone it is also considered highly disrespectful to point at someone. The way it is politely done is facing your palm down and gesturing to come here.
Dress
In the north and other Muslim regions, many women cover their heads, in accordance with Islamic custom. Women wear the toab, a length of material wrapped around the body similar in style to a loose robe. Many Sudanese men wear western-style clothing. Others wear the traditional jalabiya, a wide ankle-length gown, with the shaal or shawl. In the south, both men and women may wear the kitenge as a sarong. |
Relationships
Traditionally, kinship ties are close in Sudan and involve extended families. Marriages are often arranged and involve payment from the groom’s family to the bride’s in the form of cash or property. If the marriage breaks down cash or property may be returned. In the north of the country polygamy is more apart of the culture then in the south of Sudan. Many Sudanese families are significantly larger than the Australian norm. The complexity and importance of extended family ties mean that many Sudanese in Australia will feel obligated to propose for entry, or send money back to support, relatives who seem quite distant by Australian definitions.
Traditionally, kinship ties are close in Sudan and involve extended families. Marriages are often arranged and involve payment from the groom’s family to the bride’s in the form of cash or property. If the marriage breaks down cash or property may be returned. In the north of the country polygamy is more apart of the culture then in the south of Sudan. Many Sudanese families are significantly larger than the Australian norm. The complexity and importance of extended family ties mean that many Sudanese in Australia will feel obligated to propose for entry, or send money back to support, relatives who seem quite distant by Australian definitions.
Zar Ceremony
Zar is a trance religious ceremony that uses drumming and dancing to cure an illness thought to be caused by a demon in generally a women, sometimes a man. The Zar usually takes place in a large room which is not often used by the family. Often times a place will be hired to before the Zar ceremony. At the Zar ceremnony there is alter which is a large tray placed on a bench in the center of the room which is covered in white cloth and holding piles of nuts and dried fruits. The leader of the Zar plays the role of keeping the ceremony on track and making sure it sticks to ancient traditions. The leader in most cases is a women and and she uses scents during the Zar which are said to purify the soul of the possed as they inhaled. Music is a key element in the Zar ceremony and family members plays these instruments. The typical instruments used are the tar which is a kind of tamporine, the Manjur, the Tanburu and various other percussion instrument |
|
Wedding
Wedding Ceremony - Rituals for both the bride and the groom are extremely important aspects of Sudanese weddings. The groom too, has a specific role in the ceremony. When he arrives, he is traditionally greeted by his soon-to-be mother-in-law. He is obliged to ask her permission to enter the bride’s “house and the mother of the bride demonstrates her acceptance by adorning him with a garland of flowers and a keris – a kind of hidden message to support him as he works to support his new family.
Once he is inside, the groom is led by women bearing candles, who take him to his waiting bride and guests. The faith aspects of the ceremony then take place, with a sermon and with the bridegroom confirming his Muslim faith, which often includes male vocalist accompaniment. The marriage ceremony continues with the ceremonial sungkem, with both bride and groom bending forwards to kiss their parents’ knees. They ask for blessings and forgiveness and they promise to continue to serve and support their parents. The wedding conditions are then recited as the ceremony continues in front of flowing water, which represents paternal love. A traditional song, kidung, is sung by a male and female, each chosen by the parents to sing the song on their behalf. This is a fabulous song of warm-hearted well-wishing for the couple, inviting them to treat each other kindly and to live in harmony together. Traditional and faith songs of praise may be sung, before the bride and groom are confirmed to be a couple, at which point wedding flowers are thrown, to symbolize a fragrant future path for the newlyweds.
Wedding Post-Ceremony - Generally, the after-ceremony celebrations will be hosted by the bride’s family. Feasting on local specialties is common, with the traditional emphasis on the two families eating together to demonstrate their new unity. Wedding entertainments and celebrations will then follow, including traditional songs and folk music and dancing – all of which often continues well into the next day
Wedding Wear - The Jalabya, worn by the men, to the full-length Toab, worn by the women, to regional, faith and tribal variations, there are no end of possible costumes to wear for a Sudanese wedding.
There is often a choice of color too, although grooms traditionally wear light colors whilst women can choose bright colors. Some of the flame and jewel-colored robes worn by Sudanese brides can be absolutely stunning. Gold adornments and embellishments are particularly important in Northern Sudan. Both the bride and groom wear head-dresses, with the bride often wearing full-veil, depending on the regional and faith traditions being observed.
Wedding Traditions - Traditions include an egg being thrown at the mans feet which is cleaned off my his new wife to symbolize him becoming the master of the home. She then throws the jug at the ground and runs back into the house to show her obidience. Flowers are also thrown at the wedding. Accompanying the flowers are other items like rice and coins and each have a symbolic meaning along with the colours that are used as well. One final tradition is the lighting of 7 broom sticks and throwing them around. This is to represent bad habits being thrown away from married life.
Wedding Ceremony - Rituals for both the bride and the groom are extremely important aspects of Sudanese weddings. The groom too, has a specific role in the ceremony. When he arrives, he is traditionally greeted by his soon-to-be mother-in-law. He is obliged to ask her permission to enter the bride’s “house and the mother of the bride demonstrates her acceptance by adorning him with a garland of flowers and a keris – a kind of hidden message to support him as he works to support his new family.
Once he is inside, the groom is led by women bearing candles, who take him to his waiting bride and guests. The faith aspects of the ceremony then take place, with a sermon and with the bridegroom confirming his Muslim faith, which often includes male vocalist accompaniment. The marriage ceremony continues with the ceremonial sungkem, with both bride and groom bending forwards to kiss their parents’ knees. They ask for blessings and forgiveness and they promise to continue to serve and support their parents. The wedding conditions are then recited as the ceremony continues in front of flowing water, which represents paternal love. A traditional song, kidung, is sung by a male and female, each chosen by the parents to sing the song on their behalf. This is a fabulous song of warm-hearted well-wishing for the couple, inviting them to treat each other kindly and to live in harmony together. Traditional and faith songs of praise may be sung, before the bride and groom are confirmed to be a couple, at which point wedding flowers are thrown, to symbolize a fragrant future path for the newlyweds.
Wedding Post-Ceremony - Generally, the after-ceremony celebrations will be hosted by the bride’s family. Feasting on local specialties is common, with the traditional emphasis on the two families eating together to demonstrate their new unity. Wedding entertainments and celebrations will then follow, including traditional songs and folk music and dancing – all of which often continues well into the next day
Wedding Wear - The Jalabya, worn by the men, to the full-length Toab, worn by the women, to regional, faith and tribal variations, there are no end of possible costumes to wear for a Sudanese wedding.
There is often a choice of color too, although grooms traditionally wear light colors whilst women can choose bright colors. Some of the flame and jewel-colored robes worn by Sudanese brides can be absolutely stunning. Gold adornments and embellishments are particularly important in Northern Sudan. Both the bride and groom wear head-dresses, with the bride often wearing full-veil, depending on the regional and faith traditions being observed.
Wedding Traditions - Traditions include an egg being thrown at the mans feet which is cleaned off my his new wife to symbolize him becoming the master of the home. She then throws the jug at the ground and runs back into the house to show her obidience. Flowers are also thrown at the wedding. Accompanying the flowers are other items like rice and coins and each have a symbolic meaning along with the colours that are used as well. One final tradition is the lighting of 7 broom sticks and throwing them around. This is to represent bad habits being thrown away from married life.