Important Facts: The origin of Somali culture is from Islamic tradition. Somali girls go through the process of female circumcision after they are born Like other Muslims, Somalis pray five times everyday

Important Facts (Cont.) As Somali culture boys and girls are prohibited from dating each other. The common age of marriage is around 14 or 15 years old. Marriages can either be arranged or be a result of personal choice. Men who have money may have up to 4 wives, as is customary in Islamic tradition. Most Somalis earn their living by farming.

Custom and courtesies Greetings: Somali warmly greet each other with handshakes, but shaking hands with the opposite sex is avoided. Somali use sweeping hand and arm gestures to dramatize speech. Many ideas are expressed through specific hand gestures.

Culture cloth Men: Men wear western pants or a flowing plaid ma'awis (kilt} western shirts, and shawls. On their heads they may wrap a colorful turban or wear a koofiyad (embroidered cap). Women: Direh, a long, billowing dress worn over petticoats. Coantino, a four-yard cloth tied over shoulder and draped around the waist. Toob, commonly worn throughout Africa Hijab, and head scarfs are very common

Images of culture cloth

Somali rule concerning tradition cloth No skin shown Women required to wear long cloth No pants should be worn by women Men cloth to the knee Hair of women should be covered

Traditional wedding

Traditional wedding cloth

Culture food Because of the Islamic tradition, it is prohibited to eat any food related to pork and alcohol. goat meat, rice, lentils, fava beans, fruit juice and pita bread. special foods such as soup, porridge, and special teas.

Holidays Some major traditional holidays are Ramadan followed by Eid- fitr and Eid-adha which also are an a religion holidays.

Holidays Kids get money from the parents. Dress in the best cloth they have. Visit family members Pray holiday prayer