19/02/2024
9 Interesting Facts About the Somali Culture
Although Somalis may differ in nuances of local lifestyle, they share a uniform language, religion, and culture, and trace their heritage to a common ancestor.
Somalis have a rich musical heritage centered on traditional Somali folklore. Most Somali songs are pentatonic; that is, they only use five pitches per octave in contrast to a heptatonic (seven-note) scale such as the major scale.
1. The Value of Poetry and Their Language
In Somalia, a person's language use serves as a proxy for intelligence. Poets hold a prominent position in Somali society, and anyone hoping to establish themselves as a legitimate poet has to fight their way up the rungs of ever-harder and more sophisticated poetry, which takes years.
Poetry is a component of storytelling, music, almost every celebration, wedding, politics, and even war in pre-colonial Somalia.
2. The Love for Camel’s Milk
Somalia is the only country in the world where the camel was initially domesticated, and there are more camels there than anywhere else. The traditional manner of life is that of a nomad, unlike other regions where farming is a traditional occupation and lifestyle that some still return to.
Camels are regarded as devoted and significant animal-supporting nomads and bear their load. What cow's milk is to the West, camel milk is to Somalia. Few individuals in Somalia consume cow's milk.
According to one idea, the expression "go milk (the camel)" or "Soo Maal," which is frequently used to address guests, is when Somalia gets its name. This expression highlights the significance of the drink in the culture of Somalia and the importance of showing hospitality to their visitors.
3. The Somalia Local Dishes
Every region in Somalia has a different local dish, making the cuisine diverse. Injera, also known as Laxoox, is a flat sourdough flatbread frequently served with meals. Malawah, its sweeter sibling, has similar popularity.
Sambuus is another well-known dish that is frequently baked or grilled while being packed with a variety of meats and veggies. Somali spiced tea is also very well-liked.
4. Somalian Henna
A few thousand years ago, the history of henna began in North Eastern Africa. Today, Berbers and Cush*tic women from the Horn and North Africa wear it as is customary.
It first arrived in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent millennia ago. Somali women decorate their fingers with henna for a more laid-back look and dress more elaborately for special occasions like Eid or weddings. Henna is frequently used by older men to color their beards.
5. Social Stratification
Among the nomads, wealthier men were traditionally those who owned more camels and other livestock. Warriors and priests were considered to have the most prestigious vocations.
In some Rahanwayn and Digil settlements, members are divided between Darkskins and Lightskins, with those of darker skins having slightly more prestige in ceremonies, although the two are considered equal in other ways.
By 2000, education, income, and the ability to speak foreign languages had become standards by which status was attained among urban Somalis.
6. Somalia Has the Longest Coastline in Mainland Africa
Somalia’s coastline stretches 3,025 km and is shaped like the number 7. The coastline lies next to the Indian Ocean to the east while the Gulf of Aden is towards the north.
It would be the longest coastline in the entire continent if it wasn’t for Madagascar, where the coastline runs around the entire island.
Along Somalia’s coastline, you can find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Somalia was a popular tourist destination for its immense natural beauty and pristine beaches before the Civil War.
7. Madagascar Got Its Name from Mogadishu
The capital city of Somalia is Mogadishu, which ended up being the inspiration for Madagascar’s name. Legend has it that the Venetian Merchant, Marco Polo, mistakenly confused Madagascar with Mogadishu. He arrived in Madagascar and thought he had arrived in Mogadishu, and then he misspelled it, leading to Madagascar as we know it.
8. Somalis Eat a Banana with Every Meal
A banana comes with every dish. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether it’s rice or spaghetti, there isn’t a rule. Incidentally, Somalia has a strong pasta culture as a result of long Italian colonization.
The banana is either sliced up to be enjoyed mixed into the meal or served on the side. Bananas are Somalia’s leading export and many Somalis don’t consider a meal to be complete without a banana!
9. Prehistoric Rock Paintings Dating Back 5,000 Years Have Been Found in Parts of Somalia
Somalia is home to Africa’s earliest known and most pristine rock art at Laas Geel. Although centuries have passed since artists swirled red and white paint on the cliffs of northern Somalia, the paintings still retain their fresh brilliance.
These paintings depict an insight into life in Somalia over 5,000 years ago, detailing antelopes, cattle, giraffes, and hunters carrying bows and arrows.
A group of local men live at the cave site, protecting the sacred paintings. They act as security guards, occasionally changing their roles to guide when a tourist comes along.
