Monday, September 24 was Heritage Day in South Africa
Sunday we all wore our attire to church - which was so much fun. See my last blog: Heritage Day.
Monday, the actual day of the holiday I walked into town (twice) and that was so great because most of the people who had to work were wearing their traditional Zulu dress.
Today, Tuesday, I arrived at the Lutheran church to find many of the children wearing their traditional dress. So adorable.
Pleated skirt, beads, beads, beads.
It was almost impossible to take the children's pictures - everyone wanted to be in every shot. Everyone was crowding into the camera. So I brought out a chair and placed them on top of the chair, one-by-one. Didn't quite solve the crowding problem.
A few came with their faces painted the traditional way. I love it.
Variation of the skirt.
So very beautiful.
In the full garb.
This sweet, little one was obviously wearing her mothers' neck piece - so big.
I wish I had gotten a better shot of the beads on her legs.
Many of the items worn by the children were 'homemake'.
Numonde, one of my little favorites. So wonderful.
These two girls are both in Grade R. They will be going on to first grade in January.
The Zulu names for some items of traditional clothing are:
- isicholo, a wide straw hat worn by women, especially mature women
- isidwaba, a pleated cowhide skirt, sometimes decorated with beads
- uhbulahlu, bead work like headdresses and necklaces
I own several of these same bracelets.
Play-doh in Zulu dress - what fun.
Rejoice the teacher and one wonderful little girl.
The children started singing and dancing the traditional Zulu dance.
Traditional Zulu clothing is made out of fibers like straw and cotton as well as animal hides. Zulu women traditionally cover their heads, wearing distinctive straw hats, as a sign of respect. Traditional Zulu clothing is very colorful and almost always incorporates bead work. Some bead work has symbolic meaning within the Zulu culture. 
The girls were so proud wearing these special clothes. They even walked prouder.
What a wonderful, beautiful day with my lovely ladies.
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