The reed dance is an ancient tradition of the Swazi and Zulu people. It aims to pay respect to women and prepare girls for womanhood. This annual ceremony is known as the Mkhosi woMhlanga (or the Zulu Reed Dance). The festival's name derives from the riverbed reeds, the central attributes of the event. This tradition represents an important rite of passage spanning several days for young women. The Zulu Reed Dance gathers over 30,000 girls from KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and Botswana.
Mkhosi woMhlanga Tradition and Meaning
Celebrations take place in early September at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal. The older women teach the young girls, who have to be virgins in order to take part, how to behave as grown women. They also teach girls respect for their bodies and promote celibacy until marriage. Upon passing the virginity test, thousands of Zulu girls are led by their senior princess and proceed by carrying the reeds, singing, and dancing. They don't wear many clothes but traditional accessories (necklaces, bracelets, izigege, imintsha, izinculuba, anklets, and colorful sashes), defined by their beadwork, which greatly emphasizes traditional beauty.
The procession finally approaches the King, who receives all the reeds as gifts. As per Zulu tradition, the primal ancestor emerged from a reed bed, so placing a reed at the king's feet signifies respect for Zulu heritage. Reeds also serve practical purposes in constructing traditional Zulu dwellings and crafting mats and baskets, for which the Zulu community is known.
When the reed dance ceremony is over, it's time for the King's speech—he usually states the importance of the girls remaining virgins until they are ready for marriage. Following this, the maidens harmonize their voices in joyful ululation and sing praises to the King. As a cultural custom, the King bestows the maidens with a name, distinguishing their group from other women. Suitors are also present, watching the maidens. The luckiest girls might find a good match, but a suitor must first be approved by the girl's father.
If you find yourself in Zululand in early September, seize the opportunity to witness this uncommon spectacle and demonstrate your appreciation for the local culture.
