In every culture, a big part of festive tradition has its basis in religious beliefs – and South Africa is no different. Food often represents a symbolic part of many cultures’ beliefs and so sits at the heart of our festivals and celebrations. This is why Heritage Day in South Africa is also known as National Braai Day, as our love of cooking over a fire is something that unites us.
Here is a look at how food plays a part in various festive traditions in South Africa.
Christmas and Boxing Day
In recent years, there has been a growing fusion of cultures in South Africa, and this is reflected in the varied meals that many families enjoy for Christmas dinner. It is now common to see Christmas meals that include dishes from different ethnic groups and religious traditions. On Christmas Day in South Africa, people tend to get together with extended family and friends. Being the height of summer, those who can do like to serve their Christmas meal on the patio or verandah or out in the garden.
- Braai For Christmas It is customary practice in South Africa to organise a bring-and-braai where everyone contributes toward the Christmas meal. For many, potjiekos encapsulates the essence of a South African Christmas. On Boxing Day families and friends continue celebrations featuring festive food and picnics outside.
- The iconic “seven colours” Christmas lunch menu Another Christmas dinner classic is the “seven colours” meal. This includes chicken or beef accompanied by rice – maybe yellow rice or “geelrys” – and accompanied by sides like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, beetroot, cabbage, bean salad, potato salad, chakalaka and coleslaw.
- Turkey and all the trimmings Many South Africans still follow the old Christmas traditions of their British ancestors. Christmas dinner consists of a variety of roasted meats and gravy, accompanied by vegetable dishes like brussels sprouts and roast potatoes. This is followed by a trifle or rich fruit pudding and custard. Crackers are pulled during the meal.
Hanukkah
This year, the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah, begins on the evening of 25 December 25 and ends on
2 January. Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Jerusalem temple in 165 BCE. Hanukkah is celebrated by gathering as a family to light the menorah (a seven-branched candelabra, used in Jewish religious rituals), eating traditional foods, playing games, and giving gifts.
Traditional Hanukkah food Traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil. These dishes hail from diverse cultural origins. Potato pancakes (latkes) are popular among Ashkenazi Jews originally from eastern Europe. Sephardic Jews, originally found in the Middle East, North Africa and southern Europe enjoy fried dishes like leek-and-potato fritters and sweet pastries such as sufganiyot (fried doughnuts filled with jam). Over Hanukkah in South Africa, matzo ball soup, fried fish and melktert are popular festive dishes. Matzo balls are dumplings made with breadcrumbs made from matzo crackers, then cooked in chicken soup.
Diwali – The Hindu Festival of Lights
Some years Diwali also falls in December, but this year was celebrated on 31 October – 1 November. Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It is one of the most important holidays in the Hindu calendar. Over Diwali Hindu and some Buddhist peoples partake in prayers, rituals, giving gifts, and fireworks to celebrate the festival – and of course, there is food.
Festive Diwali food
Diwali is different from many other Indian festivals in that there is no fasting but rather feasts to celebrate the seasonal plenty. There are many different things that are eaten during Diwali, but it is mostly known for sweets. These are different to Western candy and desserts. Many use nuts or vegetables as a base and are condensed down with sugar and, sometimes, milk.
They are served alongside a cup of chai tea, on their own, or with a meal.
Eid al-Fitr – marking the end of Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr also known as the “festival of breaking the fast”, celebrates the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. This is celebrated during the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. However, as Muslim people use a lunar calendar, Ramadan can fall in any month of the year – in 2024 Ramadan ended when the new moon was sighted on 9 April. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr in many ways, including dressing up in new clothes, attending mosque to pray, giving gifts to friends and family. Ladies sometimes decorate their hands with henna.
Breaking the fast
Muslims eat a variety of foods on Eid al-Fitr, including sweet and savoury snacks, curries and biryani, and desserts. To start the day, Muslims will eat a rich breakfast and enjoy sweet treats throughout the day. They will spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours, accepting sweets as they move from house to house.
It is wonderful how sharing a meal is a bridge that connects us to our family and friends – even for those of us who groan at the thought of putting up with irritating family for most of the day. It is a powerful way to show acceptance and break down barriers. On days that are special to you and your family, whether you traditionally share a festive meal at a restaurant, host a celebratory dinner party, or get together to cook a festive meal with loved ones, food has an incredible ability to bring family and friends together.
Over to you for sharing your comments and experiences.
About the Author: Kerstin Jatho
Kerstin is the senior transformational coach and team development facilitator for 4Seeds Consulting. She is also the author of Growing Butterfly Wings, a book on applying positive psychology principles during a lengthy recovery. Her passion is to develop people-centred organisations where people thrive and achieve their potential in the workplace. You can find Kerstin on LinkedIn, Soundcloud, YouTube and Facebook.
