Does Malawi have a Culture? -HOW SHOULD MALAWI SUSTAINABLY PRESERVE THE COUNTRY’S CULTURAL HERITAGE?

                                       

Culture encompasses the people's way of life, beliefs, arts, and philosophy, all of which are crucial for the development of civilization and the human society. Malawi, as a country, possesses a rich cultural heritage that endures to this day. However, certain cultural practices, like Kusasa fumbi or sexual cleansing, have diminished due to the impact of HIV/AIDS. Despite this, we still uphold various other customs, such as initiation ceremonies, storytelling traditions, traditional dances, ululation during weddings, and communal activities like attending funerals and weddings as a whole village. Preserving these customs is of utmost importance for future generations to embrace and be proud of their cultural identity. To achieve this, we can act as cultural ambassadors, practicing these traditions daily, documenting them in books, organizing significant cultural events, and incorporating them into official education systems.

Initiation ceremonies are an essential aspect of Malawi's culture. Our ancestors believed that children needed to undergo these ceremonies to grow into responsible adults capable of making decisions for the country. During these ceremonies, children are taught various practices necessary for living in society and doing what is right. They learn to respect their elders, participate in community funerals, and care for themselves. Girls are advised to avoid early pregnancies and HIV infection, while boys are counseled to delay romantic involvement until they are ready for marriage. This practice has evolved to discourage early sexual activities, which used to be arranged with older men and caused the spread of HIV/AIDS. The fact that initiation ceremonies are still practiced in a positive manner indicates successful preservation.

Malawi's storytelling tradition, although fading away due to the popularity of movies, remains an important cultural practice. To prevent its decline, we should create folktale books for use in schools and homes. Parents, too, play a significant role in preserving this tradition by reading folktales to their children, especially as bedtime stories. Such stories carry moral lessons and serve as a means to pass down cultural knowledge to the next generation, contrasting with the adoption of foreign cultures through excessive television watching.

The country's numerous unique traditional dances, like Chioda, Tchopa, Mbwiza, and Malipenga, are vital components of Malawi's culture. To ensure their preservation, these dances should not only be performed in villages but also during major cultural events in towns, with government support to host them nationwide and integrate them into school activities. These events should encompass traditional dances, storytelling, and the preparation of traditional foods.

Another distinctive cultural practice in Malawi is the ululation of women during various functions, such as weddings. Unlike Europeans who offer congratulations, Malawians express their joy through ululation and clapping. Preserving these unique customs reinforces our cultural identity.

Wearing a Chitenje, a wrapper, distinguishes a true Malawian woman. Our culture encourages women to wear wrappers at all times, a tradition still prevalent in many villages. The initiative by the President of Malawi to promote the wearing of Chitenje clothing on Fridays in urban areas and offices contributes to the preservation of our cultural heritage.

Malawi's reputation as the "warm heart of Africa" stems from its people's communal way of doing things. The culture emphasizes unity and togetherness, with entire villages attending funerals and weddings, even without formal invitations. This communal spirit is essential to preserve and pass on to future generations.

In conclusion, Malawi's cultural heritage defines our identity as a nation. To sustainably preserve it, we must act as cultural ambassadors by practicing our traditions daily. Embracing our cultural heritage should fill us with pride, whether we live in villages or towns. By teaching our children about our customs and traditional attire, and by hosting cultural events, the government can play an integral role in preserving our rich heritage. Together, through collective efforts in our homes and communities, we can ensure that Malawi's cultural legacy endures for generations to come.