Sesotho Rituals & Traditions

Lebollo la Banna (Male Initiation)

Purpose:

Transition from boyhood to manhood, teaching cultural values, responsibilities, and survival skills.

Steps:

  1. Preparatory phase with family blessings
  2. Isolation in the mountains for 3 months
  3. Circumcision ceremony
  4. Teaching sessions on manhood responsibilities
  5. Graduation ceremony (Mokete)

Materials Needed:

  • Traditional blankets (Seanamarena)
  • Muthi (traditional medicine)
  • Sacrificial animal (usually a sheep)
Rite of Passage Men Only