ESWATINI ( SWAZILAND) ~ The Reed Dance Ceremony ~

 .. No better way to start a new blog year than with a fantastic new African country👍😀... it is one of Africa's smallest countries, slightly larger than half the size of Belgium... the Reed Dance is one of the most spectacular and well-known of Swaziland's cultural traditions... every year, thousands of young women dance bare-breasted before the royal family at the end of a week-long ritual... the girls wear short beaded skirts, adorned in colourful anklets, necklaces and sashes... the Reed Dance is a visual celebration of the girl’s camaraderie, solidarity and chastity... the most important aim of this ceremony is to encourage the girls to delay any sexual activities until marriage... thus limiting the possibility of HIV and helping in the fight against the AIDS epidemic... Big Thanks Isabelle!! (✿ ♥‿♥) 

Swaziland is a small landlocked kingdom in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19thC, independence was granted 1968.

Ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, it is the only remaining monarchy in Africa. The new name Eswatini means “land of the Swazis” was made into effect in 2019, by the King. 

 

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