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1. Identify a cultural symbol or tradition from Black Panther

2. Create a post that includes:

A screenshot or image from the movie showing the symbol/tradition

The name of the symbol/tradition

Its significance in the movie

How it connects to real African or African American cultural practices

3. Comment on at least 2 other posts to add insights or ask questions

4. Respond to comments on your post

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The name of this tradition is called Ishicholo and the significance of this is to honor the dead of the Black Panther. This connects to the real world because it is basically like a funeral.

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The name of this tradition is called the Basotho Tradition and the significance of this is that it is mostly worn by warriors and fighting war.

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Significance

The Wakandan salute, with arms crossed over the chest is a gesture of respect, greeting and solidarity in Wakanda. In the movie it’s used by Wakandans to acknowledge each other, show loyalty to the throne and express unity.

Connection to African/ African American Culture

This gesture resonates with several African and African American cultural elements. The act of crossing arms can be seen in various African art and symbolism, representing strength and unity. More directly, it echoes the gesture of respect and reverence found in many African cultures. The concept of unity and solidarity is a core theme in African and African American history, reflecting the need for collective strength in the face of adversity. The salute, therefore, is a powerful symbol of identity, resistance, and pride.

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One example is the use of vibranium technology, which is inspired by the real-world concept of resourcefulness and innovation found in many African cultures.

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Its significance in the movie: It is the source of Wakanda's advanced technology, wealth, and protection.

How it connects to real African or African American cultural practices: It reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness often seen in African and African American communities.

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Significance in the Movie:

The heart-shaped herb is a magical plant that gives the Black Panther superpowers like strength and speed. Only the king or queen of Wakanda can use it. It is used in a special ceremony to crown the new ruler and give them power.

Connection to Real African Culture:

The heart-shaped herb and ceremony are inspired by African traditions where leaders go through rituals to connect with their ancestors. In some African cultures, herbs and plants are used in spiritual ceremonies for healing or power. The idea of talking to ancestors in the spirit world is also important in African spirituality.

Connection to African American Culture:

Many African Americans explore these traditions to connect with their roots. The movie helped people feel proud of their culture and showed how traditions can be powerful and beautiful

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The Heart-Shaped Herb, which stands for strength and the lineage of Wakanda's monarchs, is important for T'Challa's transformation into the Black Panther. Many African cultures emphasize the value of nature and ancestry in their practices by using herbs for spiritual and therapeutic purposes.

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A connection is t'challa's funeral. They sang in Xhosa, used their cultural instruments and dressed in it too. A common African and African practice, celebrating their life and the fact they are with the ancestors/with the Lord as well.

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They are honoring king T'challa with dance and music instead of sadness. This is inspired by African funerals in Ghana and Nigeria where they celebrate the life of the dead with color and joy .

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The dance in black panther 2 is meant to honor the life of t challa and guiding his spirit to the ancestral plane. It’s a way for the people of Wakanda to celebrate who he was while also saying goodbye with respect and pride. The dance is significant because it reflects real cultural traditions where movement music and community help expresses grief and turn it into something healing

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This can symbolize many things, but to me this symbolizes coming towards and a truss. It is significant in this movie as other practices and different people come together. It connects to African American history because Whites and Blacks came together after the civil war.

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The dora milaje they are elite female warriors, embodying strength and loyalty. Inspired by Dahomey Amazons, showcasing African female empowerment.

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The setting of this image shows the aesthetic of a blending of traditional African history, including futuristic advancements in technology based on the throne and the clothing they are wearing. The name of the tradition is, "The Wakandan Royal Court and the Dora Milaje". Dora Milaje is the cultural symbol of the warrior guards and the throne shows the governing tradition. The significance of it in the movie is that it shows the Wakandan royal leadership. Queen Ramonda represents wisdom and leadership while the Dora Milaje show loyalty and protection as elite warrior guards. It connects to African American cultural practice because it makes connections to the Black pride and empowerment in the African American community. It shows reflection because their clothing shows African traditions based on their history.

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The new black panther suit represents protection, leadership and legacy. The suit connects to Afro-futurism by blending cultures with futuristic technology.

It’s significance is the movie is heavy because it is her honoring her brothers memory while becoming a leader.

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Name of the symbol-black feminism

The Dora Milaje

This is significant because it symbolize s strength, loyalty, and female empowerment. They are the royal guard of Wakanda, protecting the king and the nation with skill and discipline. Their presence challenges traditional gender roles, especially in action films, by showing Black women as fierce warriors and leaders.

The Dora Milaje connect to African culture because they are based on real women warriors from West Africa called the Agojie. Their clothes and fighting styles in the movie come from African traditions. They also connect to African American culture through Black feminism, which is about showing how strong and important Black women are. The Dora Milaje show that Black women can be leaders, protect their people.

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The significant of the clothes in the scene where they buried Queen Ramonda after she was killed by Namor. In the burial of Queen Ramonda it shows Shuri wearing a white dress which symbolizes mourning their passed relatives. We know this because this is the second time the white clothes appear after a relative passes.

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The funeral scene symbolizes the African cultural practices, especially their tradition of honoring the deceased through celebration. This is followed by different communities and ethnic groups in many regions such as Ghana, West and South African regions. In the movie the funeral is performed with an identical context. The king of Wakanda's recent death is followed by this funeral, which shows their respect towards him and honors his legacy.

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Significance in the Movie: It shows how Wakandans celebrate the life of someone who has passed instead of only mourning. It’s a moment of honor, connection, and spiritual peace.

Connection to African American Culture: This mirrors real West African traditions, especially in Ghana and Nigeria, where people often wear white, play music, and dance at funerals. It’s about sending the person off with respect and joy, not just sadness.

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The Ai that Shuri uses throughout the movie is named griot which is based off African storytellers and educators who preserve African culture and history

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This is significant because it shows black women being able to take on a strong role and fight for their country, sometimes these roles can be looked as “men roles” but women can do them too. This connects to cultural practices because in the real world we see women taking over for their family and fighting for themselves.

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When Shuri had went down into the water she was met with Namor. She understood how he worked and wanted to protect both the people of Talokan. However the deal was to help him either team up with him to overtake the normal people, and if she had escaped Talokan he would attack Wakanda. This is significant since it portrays the rest of the movie especially since when shuri gets saved but it causes a war between Wakanda and Talokan.

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Name of the Symbol/Tradition:

White Clothing in Ceremonial Gatherings

Significance in the Movie:

In Black Panther, the characters wear white during King T’Challa’s funeral to honor his life and legacy. This scene is peaceful and joyful, showing celebration instead of only sadness.

Connection to African Culture:

In many African cultures, such as the Yoruba in Nigeria, white clothing is worn at funerals to represent purity, spiritual transition, and a peaceful journey to the afterlife. Unlike Western traditions that use black to mourn, African traditions often celebrate the life of the deceased.