Chisungu is the Bemba women’s initiation ceremony in Zambia.
Chisungu traditionally marks a young woman’s transition into adult social and marital roles among the Bemba. It is conducted by women and includes instruction, songs, dances, symbolic objects, and ritual performances. The ceremony teaches cultural knowledge and expected responsibilities rather than functioning only as a private biological rite.
Anthropologists have documented Chisungu in detail, including the important role of female instructors and the use of ritual songs and figurines. In some historical descriptions, the ceremony lasted weeks, although duration and form have changed over time. Contemporary practice varies according to religion, urbanization, family preference, and local community customs.
Chisungu is sometimes confused with Chinamwali, a different initiation tradition found among several southern and central African peoples. Names and practices can also vary by language and region, so identifying the Bemba association is important when answering this question.