South Africa is a land of varied cultures and traditions. It is an abode of ethnic populations that are unique to South Africa and that have crossed borders as refugees. Hence it can be said that it is a melting pot of ethnicities. This country presents a rich mosaic that invites newcomers to embrace its diverse heritage. Whether you are relocating to South Africa for work, retirement, or adventure, understanding and incorporating the rich traditions of this country into your home gives you a sense of belonging and appreciation for this beautiful country.
Let us explore a bit more about blending traditions into your South African home as you wait for your relocation with relocation companies in South Africa:
The Cultural Landscape
The Khoikhoi and San ethnic groups who are nomads in desert regions in South Africa used to be hunters and trackers. The Zulus are known for their beadwork and basketry. The variety of dressing patterns within Xhosa culture marks their identity. The Sothos are known for beadwork, pottery making, and house decoration. The geometry designs used to decorate houses by the women of the Ndebele tribe are another element of the cultural landscape of South Africa.
The festivities and etiquettes of this culture are varied as much as its ethnic diversity goes. International moving companies South Africa often try to teach expats about this diversity to prepare them for friendly settlement in this country.
Incorporating Indigenous design element
The use of natural materials like wood and woven fibers will be the first thing you could do to invite South African culture into your home. The basketry of the Zulus or the beadworks of Sothos can be used to decorate your home. Remember the geometry designs of the Ndebele women? There are umpteen number of options to decorate your home taking South African culture as inspiration.
Using artwork and pictures from South African milieu is another way to blend the culture in your home. Nature is what South Africans mostly relate to. Even though the colonial invasion has adulterated native traditions they still nurture a part of their soul as part of Mother Earth. Using earthy color tones for furniture, curtains, and walls or animal sculptors for decorations is a way to welcome nature to your home.
If you have selected your long distance moving companies South Africa they might have already enriched you with this information.
Engaging with local art and craftsmanship
This is something that has been already mentioned. But a special focus is required on the topic. Supporting local artisans who do pottery, beadwork, sculptures, painting, and other home décor by adding them to your home is all the more important since traditions are on the verge of decline. Relocation companies in South Africa often urge ex-pats to encourage local craft to safeguard it from deterioration.
The problem lies in the young South Africans who move to cities for better job opportunities. They get influenced by Western culture and traditions and forget their native values and passion for nature. In this background, it is important to safeguard the ones who safeguard the tradition. Only then you can be a true part of South Africa.
Blending South African tradition into your new home should not stop with incorporating indigenous design elements and engaging with local craftsmanship. Bringing South African delicacies to your kitchen and festivities to your household is going to make you feel at home.
Still confused about your settlement in South Africa? Being the veterans in this field with connections across the continents we Helpxpat is here to help you. We are a trusted name among the leading relocation companies in South Africa.