Umhlanga Reed Dance Day in Swaziland

When did the Umhlanga Reed Dance Day in Swaziland start?

About Umhlanga Reed Dance Day in Swaziland Festival

The Umhlanga Reed Dance Day in Swaziland is a traditional, annual celebration that is held every year on the 4th of September. The festival is a celebration of the maidenhood of thousands of Swazi virgins who come together in order to pay homage to the Queen Mother. The event is attended by many members of the royal family, as well as dignitaries and traditional leaders.

The day begins with a procession of the virgins dressed in traditional attire and carrying reed beadwork they have made as an offering to the Queen Mother. After the procession, the virgins then dance and sing for hours in front of the Queen Mother to honor her. Following the Queen Mother’s address, the virgins perform a renewal of virginity ceremony, which involves them taking a vow of abstinence for a period of time, before returning to their home villages. The day ends with a celebration of participating virgins, who are given gifts from the Queen Mother. The event is an important part of Swazi culture and tradition, and is a popular tourist attraction.

Umhlanga Reed Dance Day, Swaziland Introduction

The Umhlanga Reed Dance Day is a traditional holiday in Swaziland, celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday of September. The event is steeped in culture and history and provides the country’s inhabitants a chance to come together and celebrate the past year. The name of the Umhlanga Reed Dance Day comes from “umhlanga” which means “return” in SiSwati, the official language of Swaziland. The name is derived from the ancient tradition of annually returning to the royal palace to harvest reeds for the construction of the king’s hut.

History and Meaning of the Festival

The Umhlanga Reed Dance is celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday of September by the people of Swaziland and is attended by the King. It dates back to the 19th century when it was initiated by King Mswati III in 1815 to celebrate the annual harvesting of reeds for the king’s hut in the royal palace. The original purpose was to celebrate the royal lineage (from the ancient kings to the current King) and strengthen the clan identity of the Swazi. It was also a way for the King to show his gratitude to the people of Swaziland for their loyalty and hard work in cultivating reeds for the royal hut and for its support. The festival has evolved to include modern forms of entertainment such as music, dance and other activities which still honor the original traditions.

Celebrations in Swaziland

The festival begins in early August as the gathered women and maidens travel in a procession from the different chiefdoms all around Swaziland to the royal palace in Lobamba where the week-long festival begins. The maidens are dressed in traditional attire, such as beaded skin and cloth dresses and elaborate headpieces. Once they arrive, ceremonies begin and the maidens take part in festivities including dancing, singing, drumming, traditional games, and much more. During the week, the King is presented with newly-harvested reeds to use in the construction of his royal hut. Many traditional rituals take place during the festival, honoring the King and his lineage, and strengthening the ties between the whole country as they come together to celebrate.

At the end of the week, the maidens and their families take part in an impressive procession of up to 30,000 women and maidens that circle around the royal palace. As they depart, they are showered with gifts from the King such as money, jewelry, and other items. The Umhlanga Reed Dance is an important festival for Swaziland, because it celebrates the country’s rich cultural heritage, honors the King, and brings the country together in unity.

Celebrations in Other Countries

The Umhlanga Reed Dance is also celebrated in some of Swaziland’s neighboring countries, such as Botswana, South Africa, and Lesotho. Each country has its own unique traditions of celebrating the event, but the core principals of honoring the King and celebrating the country’s cultural heritage remain the same.

In Botswana, for example, the very same event is celebrated on the same date but by a different name – the Leshapa Reed Dance. In South Africa, the event is celebrated during December under the name of the uKutya Reed Dance. In Lesotho, the event is celebrated during August by the name of the Kelebetse Reed Dance.

Each country celebrates the event in its own unique way, but the underlying goal of honoring the King and country remains the same.

Conclusion

The Umhlanga Reed Dance is a significant cultural celebration in Swaziland and has been celebrated for centuries. It honors the King and his lineage, strengthens the clan identity of the country, and brings all citizens together to celebrate national pride. The celebration also serves as an important reminder to the citizens of Swaziland of their rich cultural heritage. The celebration is also renowned in Swaziland’s neighboring countries of Botswana, South Africa, and Lesotho, where the festivities are slightly different but the same underlying principles of honoring the King and celebrating the country’s cultural heritage remain the same.

How to Say "Umhlanga Reed Dance Day in Swaziland" In Different Languages?