Religion/Spirituality:
Since the colonial era, European missionaries have converted most of the Tutsi people to Christianity, about 60% are Catholic, and 20-30% are protestants. A small percentage is Muslim. Traditionally, they believed in one supreme being, Imana. To them, Imana it a good God that doesn't need any rituals or anything of that sort to be good to the people. Also, Imana barely intervenes with people's lives but he does determine a child's destiny at birth. If anybody becomes sick or ill they believed it was the destiny Imana chose's for them. Continuing on, when a woman wanted to become pregnant, she would place drops of water in a cup or jar next to her bed at night. By providing the water, she believed Imana would use it and mix it with the clay of her womb, creating a baby.
Death/Afterlife:
Tutsi believe the spirit continues on after death. To them, Showing respect to deceased family members is considered immensely important. Failing to satisfy their deceased ancestors through rituals and offerings can lead the ancestors to allow evil spirits to cause harm to them.
Rights of Passage:
The rights of passages are very similar to those of the Hutu. Birth is the first right of passage. After birth, the baby and its other are left alone for about a week. After this period, other family is allowed to bring gifts and visit. Tutsi people are not considered adults until they are married and have a child. A very painful menstruation period, the Tutsi beleave it is part of of great beginning and a happy life full of great memories to come.
Since the colonial era, European missionaries have converted most of the Tutsi people to Christianity, about 60% are Catholic, and 20-30% are protestants. A small percentage is Muslim. Traditionally, they believed in one supreme being, Imana. To them, Imana it a good God that doesn't need any rituals or anything of that sort to be good to the people. Also, Imana barely intervenes with people's lives but he does determine a child's destiny at birth. If anybody becomes sick or ill they believed it was the destiny Imana chose's for them. Continuing on, when a woman wanted to become pregnant, she would place drops of water in a cup or jar next to her bed at night. By providing the water, she believed Imana would use it and mix it with the clay of her womb, creating a baby.
Death/Afterlife:
Tutsi believe the spirit continues on after death. To them, Showing respect to deceased family members is considered immensely important. Failing to satisfy their deceased ancestors through rituals and offerings can lead the ancestors to allow evil spirits to cause harm to them.
Rights of Passage:
The rights of passages are very similar to those of the Hutu. Birth is the first right of passage. After birth, the baby and its other are left alone for about a week. After this period, other family is allowed to bring gifts and visit. Tutsi people are not considered adults until they are married and have a child. A very painful menstruation period, the Tutsi beleave it is part of of great beginning and a happy life full of great memories to come.