adminTafadzwa Zimoyo Lifestyle Reporter
As the cold winter season draws to an end, it is with much anticipation that the beckoning summer spell ushers in a new chapter in the lives of many people with the month of August congested not only because of its likeable weather but has numerous activities ranging from fashion trends, entertainment, weddings and family rituals.
It is true that winter is rued for its biting weather and it is due to this reason alone that most people defer their plans to summer, when the weather is balmy and suitable for such activities, occasions and undertakings.
The very moment that August settles in, the mood in the air is palpable as people start by sloughing off those heavy trench-coats, woollen hats, gloves and scarves opting for lighter attire which allows in some air.
Safely put, summer is action time and this starts with August and a look around most shops reveals that the seasons have indeed changed from winter to summer, when the fashion in the shop windows and on display also changes the outlook from winter-wear to summer-wear.
International dancehall singer Shaggy could not resist the allure of summer when he penned a song specifically for summer, and aptly titled “Summertime”. The song captures the mood of the season and the video goes a step further in showing the good side of this joyous time.
Back home, our own artistes have also done the same. Winky D also sang about summer and the song is always relevant and spot-on whenever it is summer-time.
Still on the subject of fashion, for the fashion-conscious, it is that time to flaunt not only the latest and trendiest outfits in haute couture, but also an opportunity to show off some flesh, something which always attracts hues and catcalls from the not-so civilised onlookers who cannot help but literally drool at the oodles of flesh that will be on parade!
It is also the time that the modelling world recoils into full spring and the action hots up on the ramp. For the soccer enthusiasts, the beginning of the English Premier League is also a major talking point among the young and the old.
“Summer is that time when I feel re-invigorated, having spent some months fending off the winter chill and also nursing the inevitable colds and coughs. It is a time for recuperation, a time for recharging one’s batteries and get to be on the go, especially as it is associated with some holiday break both from work and for the kids will be back from school.
“This time around I am planning to revive my travel adventures and take my kids to those places of interest which we used to visit and enjoy together in the past,” said Agnes Simon, a mother of three.
Simon said it was also a time for her relatives who are based outside Zimbabwe to visit back home in the company of their friends who enjoy travelling, especially visiting Zimbabwe’s tourist attractions and resorts.
“Memorable about this time is that it always comes with some big cheer, a whale of fun and meeting new people, especially tourists from various parts of the world who are fascinated by the beauty, splendour and hospitality that Zimbabwe has on offer. I just love summer!” she gushed.
The tourism and hospitality industry sector also loves summer because to them, it heralds brisk business, with the hotels fully booked, a stream of activities lined up across the country for both the locals and visitors, game watching, bungee-diving, fishing, driving, horse-riding, mountaineering and sports, among other fun-filled activities that are at the centre of everything that defines summer.
It is also that time when the kids also have a hell of a time enjoying themselves far away from the busy schedule of books, and in true fashion of too much work making Jack and Jane a boring bunch, summer gives the kids time to unwind, although without having to discard and forget their books altogether.
“It can be used as a time for the kids to receive some personal coaching, teaching and training from their parents in a home set-up, something which helps in strengthening family bonds such that when the kids return to school after the holiday, they still have something they learnt from their parents to cling onto throughout the school term,” noted Susan Mhandu, a pre-school tutor based in Westlea.
It is the time again when fashion rules the roost. The inaugural Fashion Awards will take place together with the Zimbabwe Fashion Week which also falls during the first week of September.
Family rituals
As we celebrate our heroes in Zimbabwe for their sacrifice to liberate this country from colonial rule, families also find time to gather and perform rituals for their departed ones. Such activities include the unveiling of tombstones that are characterised by family get-togethers as they wine and dine to honour the departed in both rural and urban areas.
Churches
Churches also make the most of the summer season, with crusades, conferences and expos that are themed around this period taking centre-stage. Another big event in this season is the annual Judgment Night hosted by the United Family International Church that draws thousands of worshippers locally and from the region on August 31.
Other big religious activities are also planned at this time of the year where the young and old worshippers organise weekend retreats where they fellowship and socialise.
Entertainment
In similar fashion musicians also take advantage of the seasonal transition to give their fans a surfeit of shows and concerts around Zimbabwe. Besides the hype at the Harare Agricultural Show there are clashes that are hosted to show who is the greatest Zim dancehall artiste.
During the same month Zimbabwe is set to host both international and regional artistes with the likes of Toni Braxton, Babyface, Davido and KO expected in the capital. Surprisingly all these artistes are performing during the same week with organisers saying they will not flop because the shows have different audiences. Good luck to them.
Weddings
Ah weddings! This is also the time that the newly-weds and others who want to tie the knot walk down the aisle, take time to prepare for the big day and when it comes, it is announced amid pomp and fanfare from the ribbon and balloon-festooned trendy cars honking their horns loudly around town and the Kodak moments that follow afterwards especially with acres of space in the leading dailies and Sunday papers showing all and sundry what happened one day, one month during the summer season of such and such a year.
One shop owner Rumbi Chigova of Designer Closet, famous for hiring out wedding dresses said business is at its peak this season.
“This is the busiest time of them all. We work 24 hours even at home with clients rushing to hire outfits at the last minute for their weddings,” she said.
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