Xhosa Umbhaco Traditional Dress

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In western culture the wearing of pants is commonplace among men and women. In traditional Xhosa society, young girls do not wear pants or at least are not supposed to. While this might seem outdated to the western observer, Xhosa culture is by its very nature, amiable, accommodating and encourages positive attitudes to life. Nowadays, it isn’t unusual, although perhaps frowned upon by older members of Xhosa society, to see modern Xhosa girls and women wearing the latest leggings.

An inkanzana (unmarried woman with a child) must wear a longer skirt or dress below the knees at least, while an intombi (young unmarried woman) is entitled to wear shorter skirts. A bride wears an ankle-length skirt. The covering of her legs is dual purpose. It indicates that she is no longer a girl and it also serves to avoid unwanted attention from other would be suitors.

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