South Africa celebrates Heritage Day today. Although it has also been coined 'Braai Day', and that's what most of us intend on spending the day doing, I've enjoyed taking some time out of this lazy public holiday to look back at my heritage and the heritage that I will impart on my children one day.
Political heritage is something that burns strong in all of us. South Africa is still a very young country considering it only has only been a democratic one for the past 20 years. In many ways, the stain of Apartheid is still present despite the positives and ways it has endeavoured to repaired itself but we have also come a long way, and its exciting as a young South African to be part of this change.
I recently went to the Apartheid Museum with my family. Showing my son and husband where I am from and what my history is was a humbling experience. The museum is fantastic and the exhibitions are truly something to behold. I was reminded of family members who I knew that were part of the struggle and exiled, or stories from my parents and what they had to overcome during those times. It is always good to remind yourself of where you've been when looking forward to the future.
Cultural heritage is another strong influence of our behaviours and preferences. Growing up in Cape Town, my Cape Malay culture is one that I will hold dear to me no matter where in the world I may live. I've spent half of my life in Cape Town and the other half in Gauteng, and my culture is still grounded in my roots. The food, religion, architecture, music, accents, humour, and charismatic personas are all attributes of many bloodlines and cultural influences blended into our own and branded as 'Coloured'. I myself have French, German, and even Scottish bloodlines in my family, although you may not say that by looking at me. It's the beauty of South African culture and how diverse we are as a nation.
Growing up has also allowed me to invite a new culture and heritage into my life. My husband is from Belgrade, Serbia with a Italian and Croatian heritage to not to mention the very influential political and cultural heritage of Serbia. I never thought I would be standing in the kitchen one day cooking more Serbian and Italian style meals than curries and stews, but there is something unique and exciting about the joining of not just two people but also two cultures. We celebrate certain traditions the South African way but with a strong twist of Serbian culture and when we speak to each other and other family members in the house you hear English, Afrikaans, and Serbian being spoken. We're a mix of different cultures into a very normal modern family of diversity.
I'm celebrating my diverse heritage today, all the people who have influenced that heritage and taught me about my past and culture, and celebrating the future and heritage I will leave behind.
Happy Heritage Day!
M
xxx
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