What is the purpose of Umhlanga?
The Umhlanga, or Reed Dance, brings together the unmarried girls and young women of the country to cut reeds for the annual repairs to the windbreaks of the queen mother’s village; it lasts for five days. It is also symbolic of the unity of the nation…
What is the purpose of Zulu Reed Dance?
The Royal Reed Dance is an annual event which aims to celebrate and unify the Zulu nation as well as honouring the nation’s virgin maidens. In light of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, this cultural practise hopes to curb this epidemic by promoting a culture of respect for young women who, vow to remain virgins until marriage.
What happens at the Zulu Reed Dance?
For visitors, the highlight of the event is the reed-giving ceremony. Led by Zulu princesses, the young women make a sea of colour in intricately beaded outfits as they each collect a cut reed and present it to the king. Zulu men also participate in this part of the ceremony, singing and mock fighting.
Who qualifies for the reed ceremony?
As the Umhlanga Reed Dance ceremony takes place, a unique thing about it is that only unwed girls are allowed to partake in the event. And when they are dancing, as part of the ceremony, each maiden carries a long reed and dances bare-breasted for the King.
How does Umhlanga Reed Dance last in Eswatini?
The last day of Reed Dance is marked with the slaughter of cattle (usually 20-25). Every maiden gets a peace of meat and goes home. The last two days of Umhlanga are public holidays in Eswatini. Every year the exact dates of the festival are appointed, according to ancestral astrology.
What is Umkhosi Womhlanga in English?
uMkhosi Womhlanga (Reed Dance) is an annual ceremony celebrated by the Zulu nation of South Africa in September, annually. Thousands of Zulu maidens and visitors gather at the Zulu Royal Residence, eNyokeni in KwaNongoma and later eMachobeni Royal Residence in Ngwavuma to participate.
What festivals do Zulus celebrate?
SA Public Holidays Zululand Zulu Cultural Events 2019
- 22 January: Battle of Isandlwana, 140-year anniversary.
- 23 February: Khekhekhe First Fruits.
- Mid February: uMathayi Marula Festival.
- Early September: Royal Reed Dance /Umkhosi woMhlanga.
- 3 weeks in October: Shembe Gathering at Judea.
What is uMkhosi woMhlanga in English?
How do Zulu maidens dress?
Traditional clothing is an important part of Zulu culture. Unmarried girls’ clothing include long strips of twisted beads called “izincu” around their ankles, elbows and waists. Young girls also wear short beaded skirts, colourful necklaces and beaded headbands. Children wear bead-work around their waists and necks.
What does siyinqaba mean?
We are the fortress
On a banner below the shield is Eswatini’s national motto, Siyinqaba, meaning, “We are the fortress”.
Where does the Umhlanga ceremony take place in South Africa?
In South Africa, the ceremony is known as Umkhosi woMhlanga, and takes place every year in September at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma Enyokeni, KwaZulu-Natal. The girls come from all parts of Zululand, and in recent years there are also smaller groups from Eswatini, as well as more distant places such as Botswana and Pondoland.
Why did King Goodwill Zwelethini start Umhlanga ceremony?
The ceremony was reintroduced by King Goodwill Zwelethini in 1991, as a means to encourage young Zulu girls to delay sexual activity until marriage, and thus limit the possibility of HIV transmission. In 2007, about 30,000 girls took part to the event.
Why does the Zulu king Reed Dance ceremony?
The Zulu Reed Dance ceremony is the key element of keeping young girls virgins until they are ready to get married. On the day of the ceremony the girls start walking to the main hut of the King’s palace. As the King appears to watch the procession of girls he is praised by his poets or praise singers (isimbongi).
When did the Umhlanga Reed Dance start in South Africa?
Umhlanga was created in the 1940s in Eswatini under the rule of Sobhuza II, and is an adaptation of the much older Umcwasho ceremony. The reed dance continues to be practised today in Eswatini. In South Africa, the reed dance was introduced in 1991 by Goodwill Zwelithini, the former King of the Zulus.
