Wednesday, February 2, 2011

I'm a Ugandan Woman!

Last week, Alex sat Megan and I down and explained to us that the family had given him the responsibility of giving us our Ugandan names, which is normally reserved for the father.  He explained to us the whole history of our tribe, called Buganda, which is the largest tribe in Uganda.  There are 4 origins of our tribe, which all happened and its a long story.... 


But within our tribe we are a part of a clan (the father's side).   Luganda names dont have meaning but they identify  people with their clan.  Within your clan there is a list of names for boys and girls which can be used (which I'm sure dates back to the original members of the tribe, keeping the ancestors as part of the family is VERY important here!... but there is no ancestor worship, contrary to popular belief).  


So, my Luganda name is: Omumbejja (Princess - yep, I'm royalty!) Ndagire Mawanda.  


To cement this, my mom made us try on the traditional dress, worn to all ceremonies and even church sometimes! 


Please note: these dresses are great on large African women... but not so much any American body

2 comments:

  1. A book I read called the the African women "traditionally built" Rubenesque in our language, which you are not. I'm sorta getting there :-) You look lovely.

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  2. Yep Rubenesque I'm familiar with. You look like a beautiful African Princess!

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