2021-07-22 Thu

Shown above is the 1 Lilangeni banknote of Swaziland that depicts one of the annual and traditional ceremonies of the local population.

Two main Swazi ceremonies take place every year. Both are announced shortly before the events, as they are determined by phases of the moon. The 1 Lilangeni portrays the ceremony called Umhlanga Ceremony. Also known as the Reed Dance ceremony, Umhlanga is a celebration in honour of the Queen Mother and of feminine beauty and virtue.

During this ceremony, thousands of traditionally dressed maidens from all over the Kingdom collect reeds that are later used to make a new enclosure around the Queen Mother’s home. Later, the maidens converge at the Queen Mother’s homestead to pay their respects by presenting their reeds. The final days include spectacular displays of singing, dancing and colour.

Image Courtesy: cgb.fr