|
Every country has its own special appeal and Swaziland is no exception. Here, the attraction is the unique blend of traditional and modern; ancient customs and culture inextricably woven into the fabric of every-day 20th century life.
The envy of many countries in Africa, Swaziland has preserved her culture and traditions as a vital element in the day to day existence of the people. From the ritual smearing of the bride with red ochre in the traditional marriage ceremony to the mystical rite of Kingship, the Incwala, each ritual is deeply significant and is performed only at the appropriate time and place. The centuries- old ceremonies are as valid today as they were in days of Ngwane, the first King of Swaziland and this balance of ancient and modern, traditional and western gives Swaziland and her people their distinctive character.
Urban Swazi's in spite of a very 20th century lifestyle still maintain firm links to the rural areas where water is fetched from the river and cooking takes place in a three-legged pot over an open fire. When duty calls, there is no contradiction for the majority of Swazi's in leaving an air-conditioned office in town and shedding a three-piece business suit in favour of the traditional cloths and skins of emahiya and to take their place with the regiments to perform the task or ceremony for which the nation has been summoned. Watching the regiments wearing the traditional dress of their great-grand-fathers, singing the songs of their ancestors and performing the ancient ritual dances, only the glimpse of a wristwatch here or a flashlight there will remind you that this is not the Swaziland of a hundred or two hundred years ago.
At the very heart of this strongly traditional society is the Ngwenyama, the father and the life-force of the nation, the King. Without the King, it is believed, there would be no Swaziland and it is true that his persona is firmly woven into every aspect of the Swazi life-style. It is difficult to talk of Swaziland tradition without speaking of the King; and it is difficult to talk of the King without speaking of tradition.
The People and Traditions
The Monarchy
|
