By Celani Sikhakhane
The Reed Dance tradition, which was intended to protect women from rape and promote staying pure until marriage, was started by King Mpande kaSenzangakhona in the 1800s.
Princess Thembi kaBhekuzulu explained that King Mpande was inspired to start the Reed Dance after hearing that young women used reeds to defend themselves from men who tried to attack them.
“The maidens brought the reeds to the palace, and they were used as a symbol of protection against men who preyed on women. King Mpande decided to have a ceremony to encourage maidens to remain virgins until they were married,” she said.
It wasn’t until 1984 that King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Queen Regent Mantfombi kaSobhuza Dlamini-Zulu revived the Reed Dance. Initially, only daughters of the Zulu royal family attended the ceremony.
Princess Thembi promoted the Reed Dance for many years, earning her a royal award from her brother, King Zwelithini.
On Saturday, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini celebrated 40 years since the ceremony was revived.
Pictured above: King Mpande KaSenzangakhona who started the Reed Dance in that was destroyed by British troops in 1883.
Source:African Royals
