FOOD FOR RELIGIOUS AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
The
religions practiced by the people of Mozambique are Islam, Christianity, and
African indigenous beliefs. This is a result of the various cultures that have
dominated the country throughout its history. Arab traders introduced the
religion of Islam, the dominant religion of their Middle Eastern origins. The
Portuguese, led by explorer Vasco da Gama, made one of their missions to spread
the idea of Christianity on their voyage to India at the end of the 1400s
(bringing spices and various riches back to Portugal was the other mission).
At
the beginning of the twenty-first century, roughly 60 percent of the population
practiced a form of traditional indigenous religion, 30 percent are Christian,
and about 10 percent are Muslim. Some Christians and Muslims also choose to
practice their traditional indigenous beliefs.
The
strong Christian presence throughout the country makes Christmas a very special
time. Portuguese songs are rehearsed, costumes are designed for children
participating in Mozambican celebratory dances, and decorations are made to
hang on Christmas trees. A dove (symbolizing peace) and a cross form
Mozambique's logo for the Christian Council and is often found on trees during
Christmas time each year. Those who can afford a nice holiday meal will often
have an entrée of meat, accompanied by rice, a vegetable, fresh fruit, and
fancy pastries or cakes for dessert. Those closer to the coast will usually eat
garlic shrimp or other seafood delicacies. The very poor often receive a food
donation of rice, oil, and beans from various organizations. Christmas Day is
also called Family Day in Mozambique.
Secular
(non-religious) holidays are also widely celebrated throughout the country.
Often on these days, families and close friends gather together to enjoy a
large meal. Some of these days include New Year's Day on January 1,
Independence Day on June 25, and Maputo City Day in Maputo on November 10. On
such special occasions, bolo polana (a cashew nut and potato cake) is a
Mozambican favourite.
