Every year in September over 25
thousand Zulu Virgins gather at the Zulu Kings royal palace for the Zulu
Reed Dance. The Reed dance is a colourful and cultural celebration that
promotes respect for young women, and preserves the custom of keeping
girls as virgins until marriage.
The historical roots of the Zulus are based on Nkabazwe which is
the source of civilisation. The Zulu Reed dance is an educational
experience and opportunity for young maidens to learn how to behave
before the Zulu King. This is done whilst delivering reed sticks,
singing and dancing. Maidens learn and understand the songs while the
young princesses lead the virgins. The maidens wear ‘izigege’ and
‘izinculuba’ that show their bottoms. Traditional attire includes
beadwork to symbolise African beauty at its best. At this stage the
maidens are taught by senior females how to behave themselves and be
proud of their virginity and naked bodies. That allows maidens to expect
respect from their suitors who intend approaching them during the
ceremony.
The
second phase is educating the young maidens ‘amatshitshi’ by their
older sisters ‘amaqhikiza’ on how to behave in married life. Young
maidens are encouraged not to argue or respond immediately but to wish
the suitor well on his journey back. After protracted discussions the
older sisters then approach the mother of the impressed maiden about the
impending love relationship. If the father accepts the suitor the two
families meet and gifts are exchanged as a sign of a cordial
relationship. After this the young maiden ‘itshitshi’ takes the next
step of being ‘iqhikiza’, a lady in charge of the young maidens. By then
they are experienced chief maidens who act as advisors to the younger
maidens and are ready for married life.
The
Zulu Reed Dance plays a significant part of Zulu heritage in reflecting
diverse African customs. This ceremony is still close to the heart of
many traditional leaders and citizens. It portrays and instils a sense
of pride, belonging and identity among the youth. This ceremony has been
tirelessly celebrated by countless generations in early September of
each year. Thousands of maidens converge on King Zwelithini
kaBhekizulu’s palace to dance to the delight of the King, loyal subjects
and guests. Only virgins are permitted to take part in this ritual.
The
second phase is educating the young maidens ‘amatshitshi’ by their
older sisters ‘amaqhikiza’ on how to behave in married life. Young
maidens are encouraged not to argue or respond immediately but to wish
the suitor well on his journey back. After protracted discussions the
older sisters then approach the mother of the impressed maiden about the
impending love relationship. If the father accepts the suitor the two
families meet and gifts are exchanged as a sign of a cordial
relationship. After this the young maiden ‘itshitshi’ takes the next
step of being ‘iqhikiza’, a lady in charge of the young maidens. By then
they are experienced chief maidens who act as advisors to the younger
maidens and are ready for married life.
The
Zulu Reed Dance plays a significant part of Zulu heritage in reflecting
diverse African customs. This ceremony is still close to the heart of
many traditional leaders and citizens. It portrays and instils a sense
of pride, belonging and identity among the youth. This ceremony has been
tirelessly celebrated by countless generations in early September of
each year. Thousands of maidens converge on King Zwelithini
kaBhekizulu’s palace to dance to the delight of the King, loyal subjects
and guests. Only virgins are permitted to take part in this ritual.
The Zulu Reed Dance ceremony is the key element of keeping young
girls virgins until they are ready to get married. Afterwards the
maidens join in unison ululating and singing the Kings praises in a
joyous mood. As a cultural gesture, the group of maidens then get a name
from the King to distinguish themselves from other women.
Photo Credit: Google
