Customs

 
It is largely the culture of the Batswana that has dominated that of other minority groups. This is particularly evident with regard to cattle ownership. Cattle, the traditional Tswana source of wealth and status, are now desired by most, if not all groups of people in Botswana. But this exchange of cultural values has not been a one-way affair: minority groups have influenced and contributed to the dominant culture in numerous ways - in Ngamiland, for example, the Bayei fishing methods were adopted by the ruling Batawana.
 
Recent years have seen the introduction of western culture in the form of western business, technology, consumer goods, tourism and the media. There is a rather circuitous route, which all this takes to get to Botswana. South Africa, heavily influenced by America, Europe and Japan, mostly acquires the latest goods and media items from these countries first; Botswana, in turn, imports nearly all commodities from South Africa. Botswana can well afford to buy in such goods, but personal wealth on the scale that exists for the elite few in Botswana is a new phenomenon.
 
Life in the urban areas has been most affected by western culture and increasing modernity. In the rural areas many traditions persist and ways of life differ from region to region. Some of the more obvious physical aspects of the different cultures have disappeared (such as traditional clothing, arts and crafts, most ritual ceremonies and some tools and utensils). Others remain important, however, such as cattle ownership, music and dance and the consultation of traditional healers.
 
The changes, which have come so rapidly to Botswana, have had their advantages and disadvantages. Better health and education facilities have been provided and increased prosperity has improved the standard of living for some. However, there is a steadily widening gap between the rich and the poor.
 

Music and dance
 
Music is the aspect of culture, which has perhaps best survived the onslaught of western influences in Botswana. Both traditional and modern music of numerous ethnic groups from southern Africa and sub-Saharan Africa are heard nearly everywhere you go - in shops, malls, houses, schools, cars, combis, trains, taxis and bars. Music, dance and singing are an integral part of everyday activities and modern-day ceremonies such as weddings and even funerals.
 
Batswana have incorporated their traditional music into church singing. The result is some of the most stirring, soulful music on earth. There are a lot of church choirs, in both urban and rural areas.
 
Children are taught traditional music and dance at primary school. Teacher training colleges often have their own dance troupes, some of which have performed overseas. Traditional dance competitions for schools are periodically held, usually in larger towns and villages, and many schools from around the country participate. These school groups also perform for the public on public holidays - in villages, town halls and community centres. The dancers, wearing traditional costumes of skins and beaded jewellery, move exuberantly and energetically. The music is happy, infectious, and full of feeling.
 
Religion
 
Early tribal religions were primarily cults. The supreme being and creator was known as Modimo (God in english). Religious rites included the bogwera and bojale (male and female initiation ceremonies) and gofethla pula or rain-making rites.
 
Today, Christianity is the most prevailing belief system in Botswana, with well over 60% of the population. It was brought into Botswana by David Livingstone in the middle 19th century who converted Kgosi Sechele I (Chief of Bakwena) to Christianity. The main denominations are - Roman Catholic, Anglican, Zion, Lutheran and Methodist Christian Church.
 
 
Meals
 
Bogobe (porridge) made from mabele (sorghum), maize, or millet (in the northeast) is a staple food. It is served soft and often soured for breakfast, and thick for the midday and evening meals. Bogobe is accompanied by relish to add variety to a meal. A popular relish is made of onions, chicken stock, and tomato sauce. Paleche (white maize), although vulnerable to drought, is replacing sorghum as the primary grain.
 
Many people have tea, the thick sorghum drink mageu, or soft porridge called motogo for breakfast. Some enjoy having dikuku, a treat made of deep-fried dough, with tea for breakfast or lunch. Various fruits and vegetables are eaten in season. Phane, worms gathered from the mophane trees in the northeast, are considered a delicacy and dried in hot ashes before being eaten. Goats and chickens are raised for meat, and cattle are slaughtered for special occasions such as weddings and funerals. Rice is served instead of bogobe at weddings.
 
Eating habits vary in urban and rural homes, but most families eat meals from common bowls or plates. Children share a bowl among themselves, and visitors receive separate plates. Utensils are used, but some foods are eaten with the hands. Everyone usually leaves a little food behind to let their hosts know that the meal has been filling. Guests often say Ke itumetse (“I am pleased”) to thank the hosts. Drinks are never shared.
 
Greetings
 
Among acquaintances and when greeting an elder or one of higher social status, Tswana use formal verbal greetings accompanied by a handshake, using the right hand while supporting one’s elbow with the left hand. The handshake is less a grasp than a touching of palms and fingertips. Elders or those approaching greet first.
 
People may press their hands—palms and fingers together—in front of their chest before accepting a gift with both hands. Gifts are given with both hands or with the right hand supported by the left at the elbow. It is impolite to walk between two people who are in conversation. If passing through cannot be avoided, one bows below the level of the conversation and says Intshwarele, or “Excuse me.” To show respect for elders during conversation, younger people look down rather than into the eyes.
 
 
Relatives visit one another as often as they can. Most visits are not arranged in advance because few people have telephones, and unannounced visitors are welcomed into the home. Guests are offered water or tea to drink. Anyone who arrives at mealtime is expected to eat with the family. Guests who are not hungry are expected to taste the food and then take some home with them. Urban relatives often bring staples and household goods as gifts, and people from rural areas bring in-season crops. Acquaintances are not expected to bring gifts.
 
Much socializing takes place at general stores, church activities, and at the standpipe where people get water. Men socialize at local depots that sell chibuku (sorghum beer).