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Top level
Zulu Tours
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Reed Procession
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The Zulu Kings Reed Dance at eNyokeni Palace, uMkhosi woMhlanga.Date:13th September 2008
The Zulu Kings Reed Dance at eNyokeni Palace.
Guided Tours, Press & VIP access arranged by Zululand Eco-Adventures.
The tours leave from The George Hotel & Zululand Backpackers in Eshowe. We Leave at 8.00 am return 7.00 pm. I am a registered guide. We organise VIP access and press access applications, A light Picnic lunch supplied. Bring your own refreshments which we will keep cold for you. Cost of tour R450 pp.If you take your own vehicle you have more flexibility to leave when you are ready. The cost is then R395 pp. It is a long day some people are ready to go home by 4.30 pm. I will leave the Ceremony when there is consensus amongst the remaining clients.
Accommodation. You can stay over at The George Hotel or Chennells Guesthouse in Eshowe. Hotel cost Single R295, Double R395. Bed & Breakfast. Guesthouse Single R850, Double R1350. Bed & Breakfast.
Transfers: From Durban. Single R1450. Double R1650.
Directions. Drive from Durban up the N2. Take Dokodweni Offramp to Eshowe after 110 or so kms. When in Eshowe follow signs to The George Hotel.
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Last year it was held on 8th September 2007.
Fifteen thousands Zulu virgins gather at the Zulu Kings Enyokeni Traditional Residence for this very colourful and meaningful ceremony. In the olden days, females gathered at the Reed Ceremony (Umkhosi woMhlanga ) and men at the First Fruits Ceremony. ( Umkhosi wokweshwama ).
Female regiments during the reign of early kings were classified in age groups.
The historical roots of the Zulus are based on Nkabazwe ( land of origin ) which is the source of civilisation. The Zulu King Goodwill Zwelethini kaBhekuzulu is referred as uHlanga lwezwe because they link them with their common ancestors. When Zulu’s moved southwards they travelled in rafts “isilulu” made of reeds. Hence the Zulu phrase “sehla ngesilulu” meaning we came by traditional boats.
The Zulu Reed dance is an educational experience and opportunity for young maidens to learn how to behave in front of the King.
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The Royal Princess
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This is done while delivering reed sticks 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 it’s 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.
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Senior Zulu Ladies
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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.
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The Kings Men
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This ceremony has been tirelessly celebrated by countless generations in early September. 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.
Each maiden is to carry a stick from the river and present it to the King in a spectacular procession at the Enyokeni Palace. The girls converge in groups from the Zululand regions to the Kings Palace the day before the ceremony. The activity promotes purity among the virgin girls and respect for women. The Zulu Reed Dance ceremony is the key element of keeping young girls virgins until they are ready to get married.
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Handsome Warrior
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The day of the ceremony the girls start walking to the main hut of the King. As the King appears to watch the procession of girls he is praised by his poets or praise singers (isimbongi). The girls collect a reed from a huge pile and proceed in a very long procession. They are led by the senior princess. As they pass the King they put it down and go back. While this is happening the men sing their songs and engage in mock fighting. After the festivities the King delivers a speech. This speech is a very direct and forthright message on the expected mores of the nation. The King is very direct and nothing is left to the imagination. He is a great proponent of celibacy until marriage. Afterwards the maidens (all 15 –20,000 ) 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.
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Maidens in Procession
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The Kings Reed Dance 2004. (Some items from the Kings Speech.)
On the dawn of this day I am always overjoyed,this caused by seeing all of our beautiful flowers (our children) and our culture. I would like to thank you for this opportunity to address and welcome 'izintombi' (young, virginal girls) who have come from far and wide to attend uMhlanga (Reed Dance)which shows that the dreams of our forefathers are still coming true and that our children want a brighter future. Thank you to all who have helped make this day possible.
Most of us know that this year the ceremony is a little different from past years,this is caused by the fact that we are celebrating 12 years since the re-introduction if this ceremony.
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The Kings Herd and Reeds
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This ceremony was re-introduced in 1984 with a few 'izintombi', there were also 'amabutho' (young warriors) I have asked all those 'izintombi' and 'amabutho' who are now 'omama' (married women/mothers) and obaba (married men/fathers) to be here. I had attended the Human Unity Conference where the focus was HIV/AIDS,this is what prompted me to bring back this ceremony that promoted and encouraged abstinence within our youth. In 1987,the KwaZulu government led by uMntwana kaPhindangene (Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi) started supporting this ceremony financially to ensure that it could be attended and be well received by the whole nation.
I'd like to thank other countries who have supported this ceremony especially Swaziland who have been with us since the beginning.
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Pretty Princesses and chaperone
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I'd like to thank my daughters for the role they have played in the success of this ceremony.It must be noted that this ceremony is not only geared towards promoting virginity and abstinence amongst girls but also young men. The fusion of these ceremonies brings us hope for a better future. We see a nation that is vibrant,strong,has self respect and is respected,
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Nkandla Girls
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We are in a time where when an 'intombi' and 'insizwa' (young man) want to marry,must go for a blood test to prevent any family disputes caused by mistrust. We are fighting against the high number of orphans,we know the Government and councils are constantly making us aware of ways to prevent the spread of this disease once one has it. This is why it is important to go for a test when you are involved in a relationship or are getting married. It is my wish that all educators promote the culture of the Zulus.
We all know that change is here and will always be, as a nation what is important to understand that change is good as long as it is good and does not promote hatred from the past.
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Royal Ladies with children
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We need a good foundation to promote a brighter and better future. While some aspects of our lives have changed, as Africans, we should not distance ourselves from our culture and take on the cultures and traditions of other nations.
I'd like to thank all parents who have supported and encouraged their children to respect and observe the Reed Dance and for believing in me as their King. I'd like to encourage other parents to promote this vital and important ceremony which instils good values and morals within our youth especially in this day and age.
I'd like to thank all those that are now married whom we started this ceremony with,I'm sure there is great pride in a woman going into marriage untouched. Their presence is a great example to the young women here who are our future mother and leaders.
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Visitors in KZN
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Without the young women present here today,this uMhlanga would not have been possible so I wish to thank you for giving of your time and for promoting what is so special to our nation. I encourage you to keep on doing so. We depend on you to be the future of this nation, because of you we have high hopes to stop the spread of this killer disease. We cannot forget all those who gave tirelessly and freely of their time to make this day a success despite difficult circumstances.
I must also thank all my wives for their support since I re-introduced this ceremony and they did this not only for their children, but for all the children of our nation. We as parents are also happy and proud to see the seeds we planted come to fruition.
This is about a Zulu event, about Zulu Culture, the Zulu Nation and Zulu people.
Other Tours
Zululand Eco-Tours. From The George Hotel and Zululand Backpackers. Eshowe.
1.Tours to other Zulu Villages. Walters Zulu Village
2.Tours to Traditional Zulu Ceremonies Traditional Zulu Ceremonies.
3.Tours to Sangomas Healings and Initiations. Sangomas Healing and Initiations
4. Walking Township Tours. King Dinizulu Township Tour
5. Three day Zululand Outback Tour. Zululand Outback Tour
6. Zululand Weekend Package. Zululand Weekend Package
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White Zulu. Schalk
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Zululand Eco-Adventures.
Eshowe. Zululand.
KwaZulu Natal. South Africa.
info@eshowe.com
035 4744919..
Your Guides:
Graham Chennells. Walter Cele. Victor Mdluli.
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