Reed Dance Festival

Reed DanceIntroduction

The tradition of Zulu dance is evidence of the impressing and ancient cultural traditions. It reflects upon the love and care towards the customs of their forefathers. It also exhibits that even after thousands of years, these people do not feel any hesitation to celebrate the festival, which in the eyes of some of the critics, degrade women's sexuality. The reed dance is a famous dance in the Swaziland, which is performed every year in KwaNyokeni Palace in the month of September. People from distant places arrive to take part in the long awaited festival of the reed dance.(Ngema, 2007).

Apart from the social value, the reed dance is the main attraction of the tourists in South Africa. This makes the country a popular tourist destination. The Reed Dance festivals provides a unique and once in a life time opportunity to be familiar with the natural beauty and the magnificence of the Kingdom of the Zulu Land. With this one can also enjoy the pulsating and vibrant view of the cultural life in Africa (Ngema, 2007).

Socialists believe that every culture is unique in its existence. However, it is especially true for the African culture. Comparing it with any other culture found in other parts of the world, a clear disparity is seen. Reed dance is the specialty of the Zulu culture. This kind of ritual is hard to find in any other part of the world. Before comparing it to the rituals of the other culture, it is important to shed some light on the background and history of the ritual.

Historical Evidence

The historical evidence of the Reed dance falls back to the great king Shaka, who once ruled over Zulu Land. After that, the Reed dance festival has become the most celebrated and the famous ritual of the land. It has passed from one generation to the other and become a source of attraction for the whole world. The rich cultural heritage of the land, along with the Reed dance festival speaks of life and color of the Zulu people.

Significant Cultural Values

The significance of the Reed dance is not only on the cultural level, it also plays a crucial in unifying the nation. The big gathering in front of the Royal King exhibits unity, strength, sincerity and loyalty to their native land and love for the fellow men. With this, the maidens in the Reed dance festivals hold a special place. Taking part in the Reed Dance is the dream of every maiden of the land. It is a moment of pride and honor for the virgin to show their womanhood through nudity.

The festival has taken the name of reed because of the riverbed reeds, which is the focal point of these festivals lasting for four days. It is said that more than ten thousand maidens perform this dance, and they are invited by the king every year. The maiden who is selected for the dance is considered to be the luckiest one and her family feels ...