Umhlanga Reed Dance in Eswatini
Umhlanga is an annual Eswatini ceremony in which unmarried, childless girls cut and present reeds to the Queen Mother, then sing and dance at the royal residence. It is also named as a public holiday under Eswatini’s Public Holidays Act.[1][2]
A public holiday with a changing date
The Public Holidays Act, 1938 names Umhlanga (Reed Dance) as a public holiday. The Act says that when a listed holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed instead; it does not set a permanent annual date for Umhlanga.[1]
Eswatini’s Government General Orders list Umhlanga as a public holiday whose date is “to be announced.” The Public Holidays Act’s reference to a non-business day applies specifically to bills of exchange and promissory notes; it does not by itself specify the leave entitlement of every worker.[1][3]
Meaning and roots
The ceremony is closely associated with the Queen Mother, known as the Indlovukazi. Reeds brought by the participants are used to repair the windbreak around the royal residence, and the gathering includes songs and dances before the King and Queen Mother.[2]
The Eswatini National Trust Commission describes the ceremony as having developed from umcwasho, in which girls were organized into female age regiments. It says the Reed Dance’s stated aims include tribute labour for the Queen Mother and solidarity through working together.[3]
How the ceremony unfolds
The eight-day ceremony begins with participants gathering at Ludzidzini, in Lobamba. According to the National Trust Commission, they travel in groups from chiefdoms, are registered, and are accommodated in relatives’ homes in the royal villages, marquees, and tents.[3]
Participants then go to reed beds, cut reeds, bundle them, and carry them back to the royal residence. After a rest day to prepare their hair and dancing costumes, they deliver the reeds and perform in groups, singing different songs. The Queen Mother and King attend the concluding dance day, according to the Commission’s description.[3]
The Commission says only unmarried, childless girls take part. Eswatini’s High Commission describes the ceremony as celebrating the purity of young Emaswati women and says maidens come from across the Kingdom.[2][3]
Planning a visit
The ceremony’s gathering point and reed-cutting journeys are described by the National Trust Commission. Check visitor access, photography rules, transport schedules, and business and bank opening hours before you go.[3]
The Public Holidays Act establishes Umhlanga as a public holiday, but the cited text does not say that every workplace, bank, shop, or transport service must close. Check directly with an office or service provider before making plans for the holiday.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Umhlanga observed?
Is Umhlanga a public holiday?
Yes. Umhlanga (Reed Dance) is named in Eswatini’s Public Holidays Act. The Act does not specify leave entitlements for every worker, so employees should check their applicable employment terms.[1]
What happens during the Reed Dance?
Are offices, banks, and shops open?
Opening hours can vary. Check with the office, bank, or shop you plan to use before visiting.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Umhlanga Reed Dance in Eswatini:
- Public Holidays Act, 1938- eSwatiniLII, Judiciary of eSwatini
- CULTURE – High Commission of the Kingdom of Eswatini- High Commission of the Kingdom of Eswatini in Kuala Lumpur
- Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony- Eswatini National Trust Commission