The modern Zulu people have the right to choose what
religion they wish to practice. Christianity and the traditional Zulu religion
are both widespread among the population. Since there is a freedom of religion,
there are many independent churches with Zulu clergy. Like most Christianity,
it can be broken down into denominations like Catholic, Methodist, etc. The
traditional Zulu religion is based upon honoring their ancestors, which they
believe have a supernatural power over their earthly lives. These beliefs also
deal with traditional medicines of the region. The religious healers or “isangomas”
treat patients with traditional medicine. (Megan Russell n.d.)
Roger's Power Point Slides state:
"Religion is a belief and ritual concerned with the
supernatural."
Religion is a
distinctive symbolic expression of
human life that interprets man himself and his universe, providing motives for human action (Edward
Norbeck).
The
traditional Zulu religion is based upon honoring their ancestors, which they
believe have a supernatural power over their earthly lives. The Zulu used their
religious beliefs to explain natural events that occurred around them in their environment.
The changes in the clouds, the highness of the heavens, the
overflowing rivers, the frightening lightnings and thunderstorms; and for all
of these occasions the Zulu would have religious ceremonies. They believe that
there is a creator of the universe and that he is inside all of these natural
events.
The Roles of Religion
} Explanatory (Cognitive needs)
} Psychologically reassuring
◦ Helps people face death and endure life
crises.
} Socially supportive (Emotional needs):
◦ Provides validations for existence.
◦ Motives for human action.
◦ A sanction for orderly human action
These
beliefs also deal with traditional medicines of the region. The religious healers
or “isangomas” or herbalists, treat patients with traditional medicine. These “witch
doctors” use medicines made from plants and animals. The isangoma is skilled in
making contact with the ancestral spirits and prescribes medicine for the
illness. These isangoma go through a long apprenticeship and must have been
sacredly called by the creator to become one. These witch doctors do things
such as throwing bones and interpreting these as a patients medical diagnosis
and treatment plan. The transmental diagnosis is extremely interesting in that
the isangoma goes into a trace, brought on by herbal drugs, that determines
what is wrong with the patient.
◦ The use of ritual and paraphernalia to compel or manipulate the
supernatural to act in desired ways.
◦ Supernatural techniques intended to
accomplish specific aims.
Works Cited
Megan Russell, Tamlin Armstrong and Sarah Dawson. AmaZulu:
The Life of the Zulu Nation. n.d.
http://library.thinkquest.org/27209/Modern.htm.
Zulu Traditional Religion
ZULU TRADITIONAL RELIGION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA by
Lizo Doda Jafta Lecturer at the Federal Theological Seminary of Southern
Africa, Natal
The Zulu are known for weaving and pottery in South Africa. They store their alcohol in clay pots using a coil method. They clay helps keep the alcohol fermented and holds a large amount of liquid. Pots with necks were called uphisi, which helped during transportation of the pot. The biggest events, which are usually weddings, require large amounts of beer and therefore used many pots. 
Zulu society has the basic lower, middle, and upper classes. The lower classes live in the rural areas and focus on their agriculture. Most rural areas have no electricity, transportation, clean water, or clinics. Urban areas make up the Zulu middle class, although it is not much better than rural lifestyle. Neither areas have effective education so the few that do migrate into cities are left in the poor parts of the city.
