Do not be fooled by the bare breasts, and the exposed bottoms; these females are not strippers! The reed sticks in their hands are not stripper poles either. These photographs might cause some men to have erections, but hey guys, relax! These girls are not ready for those erections. These girls are actually proud of steering clear off those erections. They are virgins, and you would have to put a ring on any of them at the right time, before your erection gives you a happy ending, and not blue balls! These girls are simply taking part in the Reed dance, and they are not dancing to “Strip” by Chris Brown. I know you must be wondering what the Reed dance is. Grab a beverage or a cup of water, and keep reading to find out.
The Reed dance popularly known as the “Umhlanga” is a dance practiced by the Zulu ethnic group popularly known as the largest single ethnic group in South Africa with a population of about 9.2million. It strives for the respect of young women and abstinence until marriage.
This dance is incorporated as a prestigious ceremonial event following a historical trend that dates back to 1940. It was during this era in Eswatini (Swaziland) under the rule of Sobhuza II that the dance was introduced. As years elapsed, there was an enculturation of the Umhlanga by neighboring kingdoms. In 1991, the dance was introduced in South Africa by Goodwill Zwelithini, the former king of the Zulus.
The Reed dance gets its name from the reeds that grow in nearby riverbeds and also forms part of what women who passed the virginity test carry in procession. This dignified ceremony is celebrated as Zulu’s national and cultural festival that takes place at the King of the Zulu’s Royal Residence once every year, in September. It has found a niche in the events sector as thousands of Zulu maidens and visitors gather at the King’s palace to celebrate this ceremony.
The ceremony is a cultural rite that prepares for womanhood. Its purpose is to promote solidarity, unity and bonding amongst the maidens; as well as educating girls on the disadvantages of teenage pregnancy. According to the Zulu tradition only virgins are supposed to take part in this ceremony, which marks their purity. It is dominated by single Swazi girls and women who seize the opportunity to showcase their dancing, singing skills and as well their handwork in making beads.
In Swaziland, this ceremony is held for eight days while in Zulu culture, it lasts two days because it is on day six that the proper festive period kicks off. Prior to that day, the maidens are taught about the culture and the art of homemaking by the older women. On the D-Day, the girls and women are dressed in beautiful attires with beadworks, necklaces, anklets, colorful sashes, bracelets, izinculuba and izigege that show their bottoms.
On the day of the ceremony, the girls are led by the chief princess, one of the daughters of the Zulu King who distinguishes herself by wearing a crown of red feathers alongside other daughters of the king. They match beautifully bare- breasted with reeds (a symbolic representation of the power of nature) in groups to the King’s palace while chanting poems and beautiful songs. If the reed breaks before reaching the destination, it is a sign that the girl is no longer a virgin. Thus, considered an embarrassment.
After depositing the reed as they pass the King, they take their positions while awaiting the speech from the king. During this stage where the speech is made, the maidens are taught how to be proud of their womanhood and maintain the respect from suitors through the preservation of their virginity till they reach the marriageable age.
This event has played a great role in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDs which stands at about 7.7miilion people living with it in South Africa and a prevalence of 20.4%. It has been found as an important channel to promote a culture of pride and the value of the girl child.
