A family is like a forest, when you are outside it is dense, when you are inside you see that each tree has its place.African proverb

Janet Bollo

Cultural aspects that distinguish the Luo

community

Cultural aspects covered:

• Marriage ceremonies

• Initiation practices

• Folklore

• Occupation

• Living conditions

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Introduction

• Culture is the characteristics of a particular group of people, defined by everything from

language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.

• An appreciation of cultural diversity goes hand-in-hand with a just and equitable society

• The Luo (pronounced as Lu-wo) is one of the 42 ethnic communities in Kenya. They are

mainly found in the western part of the country along Lake Victoria region.

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Marriage ceremonies

• Consists of 2 parts, introduction and dowry payment

• Dowry must be paid in the form of animals (cows, goats)

• Polygamy/polygyny is accepted

• Wife inheritance

• Patrilineal – children belong to their father

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Initiation practices

• Traditionally men are not circumcised

• 6 lower front teeth were removed as part of initiation

• Burial is done in the ancestral home regardless of where the person dies

• Funerals last for 4 days for men and 3 days for women and are followed by a feast

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Folklore

• Stories, legends and riddles are part of the culture, mainly told by grand mothers

• Used to teach about culture, morality and social behavior

Eg of riddles: - My house has no door?

- What is a lake with reeds all around?

• Visitors are a major source of pleasure

Occupation

• Traditionally they were fresh water fishermen

• Women carry out domestic labour including farming

6

Living conditions

• Common houses are made of mud and woven twigs with a thatched roof

• A young man must build his own house by the age of 18

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Conclusion

• Culture is a strong part of people's lives. It influences their views, their values, their

humor, their hopes, their loyalties, and their worries and fears.

• Globalization has changed a lot of these cultural practices but a number of them still

have an impact on the lifestyle of many of the Luo community members.

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