Why traditional ceremonies are fast losing their lustre

Ours has always been a partying society and any excuse to eat, drink and make merry has always elicited a warm feeling in our society.

Even very mundane events like a child ‘graduating’ from nursery school to Standard One, baptism or receiving of communion (kipaimara) have always fired so much ado but this is slowly changing.

People are slowly becoming weary of such things as they cost an arm and lose meaning in the society.

In a rapidly changing society where individualism and need for self-expression has, over the years reigned supreme, traditional ceremonies like graduations, weddings, and other milestones are slowly losing traction for many.

A complex interplay of the financial implications and physical pressures they exert, coupled with lack of genuine interest in the same has led many individuals to question the relevance and value of such ceremonies, potentially leading to their gradual demise.

A resident of Sinza, Joel Mashaka reveals he’s not a fan of such ceremonies.

“I find ceremonies to be quite tedious and boring. The long speeches, stage-managed formal rituals, and rigid traditions tend to drive me to near-death with boredom. There are things that capture my interest. I would much rather engage in activities that I find enjoyable and stimulating like playing basketball”.

“Ceremonies are often overhyped and exaggerated and they make very little sense to me. I struggle to connect with the emotions and symbolism that they aim to convey,” he reveals.

He says the fake display of excitement and admiration, the pomp and circumstance surrounding ceremonies just doesn’t resonate with him as it might with others.

“It all feels superficial and insincere to me. Ceremonies often demand a considerable time commitment. They can extend for hours, if not days or weeks, which can be quite exhausting,” he says.

He adds that he finds it frustrating to dedicate so much time to an event that doesn’t inherently interest him.

“My indifference towards ceremonies lies in the lack of interest I feel towards them. Engaging in something merely out of tradition or obligation doesn't align with my personal values and preferences,” he says.

He continues: “While I respect others, who find joy and purpose in ceremonies, I simply don’t share the sentiment. I believe that everyone is entitled to their own preferences and should pursue what genuinely resonates with them, even if that means opting out of ceremonies.”

Sophia Boniface, a resident of Tabata believes ceremonies are not for everyone.

“I have to say that ceremonies are not really my cup of tea. I find them quite overrated,” she shares.

She says that she shies away from them, but the pressure from society definitely comes to the forefront.

“They come with a laundered list of expectations and straight-jacket societal norms that need to be followed. From the way you dress to the way you behave; it feels like there is so much pressure to conform and meet everyone’s expectations.

“Let’s be honest, trying to fit into these predefined moulds can be exhausting. I prefer to live my life on my own terms, without feeling the constant need to impress or live up to other people’s standards,” he says.

She says ceremonies tend to be too long, trivial affairs that demand a significant investment in terms of finances, time and energy.

“From the planning stages to the actual event, it is indeed an immense burden to be borne by those involved. Instead of enjoying the moment, I find myself stressed by the countless details that ceremonies often entail. I think life is better spent focusing on experiences that bring genuine joy and fulfilment, rather than getting lost in the showy and shallow feeling brought about by ceremonies,” she says.

She adds that ceremonies have become more about appearances and tool for socially caressing people’s egos, rather than celebrating the true essence and meaning behind the event.

“I value authenticity and genuine connections, and unfortunately, ceremonies don't always facilitate that. I find more joy in intimate gatherings or personal reflections that allow me to connect with others on a deeper level,” she says.

She continues: “I firmly believe that life is too short to be spent in the pursuit of societal expectations and pressures. I prefer to pave my own path, free from the constraints of ceremonies. By choosing to opt-out, I feel liberated and able to focus on what truly matters: personal growth, meaningful relationships, and pursuing experiences that bring me genuine happiness.”

Faudhia Abdallah, resident of Kinondoni says ceremonies often require a significant amount of financial investment.

Whether it is a wedding, a religious celebration, or a graduation ceremony, expenses can quickly add up. From venue rentals to decorations, catering, attire, and gifts, the costs can be overwhelming.

“It can put unnecessary pressure on individuals or families to spend money they may not have at the time, funds that could be put into other necessary uses like education, healthcare, or investments for the future,” he notes.

She says these events massively contribute to societal pressure and promote excessive and unnecessary consumerism.

“It sometimes becomes more about impressing others rather than celebrating the important moments in life. This focus on materialistic aspects takes away from the true meaning or essence of the ceremony,” she says.

She went on to explain that ceremonies can perpetuate a never-ending cycle of expenses. She says that certain ceremonies require follow-up events, such as baby showers or birthday parties, which also involve more financial commitments.

“By participating in ceremonies, we inadvertently contribute to a culture where we are constantly expected to spend and conform, creating a continuous strain on our financial well-being,” he says.

According to a sociologist, Ms Joanitha Jonathan the reasons behind some individuals not celebrating milestones in life can be complex and varied.

She says some individuals may not see such as worth their trouble or may experience feelings of uncertainty or disillusionment caused by traditional celebrations.

“Factors such as personal experiences, mental health issues, or societal criticisms of certain events meant to mark mileposts in one’s life might contribute to their lack of interest in celebrating,” she reveals.

She went on to reveal that the feeling of detachment to social groups can also lead to apathy towards such celebration.

“Some people may not have supportive networks to plan or participate in events, leading them to forgo celebrations altogether,” she explains.

According to her, it is necessary to respect individual choices and preferences regarding celebrations. If someone expresses the desire to celebrate let them do it. If they do not, their wish should be respected.

“Understanding the reasons behind the desire to not celebrate and expressing displeasure with celebrations with it is okay. People are given to different views about,” she says.

Ms Zabibu Idrisa, an assistant lecturer at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) and sociologist, acknowledges that the pressure to conform to societal expectations is a probably the main contributing to the dwindling interest in traditional ceremonies.

“From a young age, individuals are conditioned to perceive ceremonies as important life events, creating immense pressure to comply with established norms,” she shares.

She continues: “Whether it's fulfilling family expectations, societal demands, or peer comparisons, these pressures can become overwhelming, leading people to scrutinise the relevance of ceremonies in their own lives.”

Another SAUT assistant lecturer, Mr Alfani Mduge says in this era marked by ever-increasing individualism, the concept of celebrations and their importance is being overtaken by to and is undergoing a paradigm shift.

In the olden days, ceremonies were viewed as formalities, symbolising societal recognition and accomplishment.

Contemporary society is witnessing a shift towards personalised celebrations, where individuals prioritise intimate gatherings involving fewer attendees.

“Weddings, for instance, have transitioned from extravagant affairs to intimate, meaningful events tailored to reflect the couple’s values, leading many to forego traditional wedding ceremonies altogether,” he says.

He adds that despite the dwindling interest, there is still hope for the revival of traditional ceremonies by adapting to modern preferences.

“Many couples and graduates are reimagining the concept of ceremonies, injecting elements of personalisation, inclusivity, interactivity and cultural relevance,” he says.

He adds: “By incorporating these individualistic perspectives, ceremonies can become more meaningful, capturing the unique essence and value for the participants.”

Ms Tatu Kibantu, an event planner says that it is important to understand the cultural landscape and traditions passed on over the time. While Tanzania is a diverse nation with various ethnic groups that have their own unique ceremonies and customs, there are no specific ceremonies that are considered mandatory to observe.

She shares that there are certain ceremonies that are more common or significant, depending on the region and the religious or cultural affiliations of the individuals involved.

For instance, weddings, funerals, baby naming, and rites of passage ceremonies are widely practiced and considered important events in Tanzanian society.

She says: “These ceremonies hold great significance as they reflect the cultural, social, and religious values of the communities.”

She further says there may be some traditional ceremonies or rituals that are not practiced any more for they may have faded away over time due to changing lifestyles, globalisation, or other underlying factors.

“These lesser-known ceremonies may apply to specific ethnic groups or ethnic groups, and their declining significance could be a result of societal changes or a shift towards more modernised practices,” she shares.

Another event planner, Mr Joel says Tanzanian society is also influenced by various religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs that may have different ceremonies and practices associated with them.

“The level of importance given to these ceremonies vary depending on the individual's religious orientation and the specific context in which they are being conducted,” he says.

He continues: “It is essential to work closely with your clients to understand their specific needs and preferences.