CRE3: Leisure in a Changing Society; African Traditional Society

Leisure in African traditional society

In African Traditional Societies, leisure time was considered important. People used to meet in common places to be entertained. There were dances and songs performed in praise of their heroes or their community.

Sometimes there were wrestling matches among age mates. There would also be bull fights intended to show off the strength of one’s animals.

Grandparents used to tell stories and proverbs to the younger ones.

These would teach the young about their society and how to behave towards one another and to older people.

Sometimes there were wrestling matches among age mates.There would also be bull fights intended to show off the strength of one’s animals.

Examples of leisure activities done in the African Traditional Society 

• Wrestling.
• Running.
• Playing 
• Bull fight show
• Mock fighting.
• Swimming.
• Spear throwing.
• Poetry.
• Music and dance.

Purpose of Leisure in the African Traditional society

(i) Community elders use leisure time to solve community matters.

(ii) It is used to identify future community leaders.

(iii) It is through leisure activities that marriage partners are identified.

(iv) It gives opportunity for one to regain the lost strength during work.

(v) Leisure time is used to thank God for the achievements in life.

(vi) It is for the celebration of the goodness in life.

(vii) It provides an opportunity to educate the youth in the community.

(viii) It is an opportunity to socialize among friends and relatives.

(ix) It is used to develop talents.

(x) It is used to establish and renew relationship with the ancestors.