The Umhlanga (reed Dance) - Swazi Dance September 8th, 2014

The Umhlanga (reed Dance) - Swazi Dance

The Umhlanga (also known as the Reed Dance) takes place in August or early September of every year.This dance attracts young maidens from every area of the Kingdom and provides the occasion for them to honour and pay homage to the Queen Mother (iNdlovukazi).

Most of the maidens who participate are in their teens, although there are some younger girls who take part. During the first week the young maidens gather reeds from designated areas, some of the older maidens travel a long distance, leaving the younger ones to collect reeds closer to their homes. 

The girls wear short beaded skirts decorated with fringes and buttons; together with anklets, bracelets and necklaces, and colourful sashes. Each sash has appendages of different coloured wool streamers; these denote whether or not the maiden is bethrothhed (promised to marry). The Royal Family Princesses wear red feathers in their hair and lead the maidens to perform for their Majesties. Each group has its own particular dance steps and song which marks their respect for the Monarch and his mother. Many of the girls carry torches to indicate that they had cut the reeds at night.

For more information about the Swazi culture visit www.aboutswaziland.com

Author: About Swaziland

About Swaziland - The information hub for the kingdfom of Swaziland. Visit us at www.aboutswaziland.com (Bio)