Culture

For all the modernisation that Swaziland has embraced, her people have preserved their rich old-age culture, traditions and customs. The royal monarchy of Swaziland is not only a fundamental ingredient of daily life but is also a sacrosanct institution - a symbol of national unity. The royal lineage is the Dlamini family and with a dual approach, the King and Queen Mother rule as one.

The Swazi’s are principally Nguni in language and culture. Like many other African countries the ownership cattle in rural Swaziland remains symbolically, a key indication of wealth and social status. Though Christianity is widespread throughout the country traditional beliefs are still prevalent in more remote regions. Supernatural beliefs and sorcery are common components of social structures and so are the age-old ceremonies that are celebrated periodically without fail.

One of the most important and revered of the Swazi ceremonies is the “Incwala” or “First Fruits” ceremony in which the King plays a principal role. The celebration falls between December and February but the exact date is meticulously chosen by Swazi astronomers after consulting the cosmic position of the sun in relation to the phases of the moon.

The “Reed Dance” or Umhlanga takes place every August. It is another one of the oldest and most important ceremonies in Swazi culture; it is also the most colourful. This ceremony is for unbetrothed maidens to pay homage to their King and Queen Mother. The King personally picks a new wife from the host of young virgins.