Video: See How 40,000 Virgins Celebrate 40 Years of the Reed Dance Tradition in South Africa
The Zulu nation marked the 40th anniversary of the Reed Dance with around 40,000 virgins participating in this year’s event.
The Reed Dance, a tradition aimed at safeguarding women from sexual violence and encouraging chastity until marriage, was established by King Mpande kaSenzangakhona in the 1800s. Inspired by reports that young women used reeds for self-defense, King Mpande introduced the ceremony to symbolize protection and promote purity.
Though the tradition began with King Mpande, it was revived in 1984 by King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Queen Regent Mantfombi kaSobhuza Dlamini-Zulu. Initially, only daughters of the Zulu royal family were involved.
On Saturday, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini celebrated four decades since the ceremony’s revival, continuing this important cultural practice.
