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Incwala Ceremony
The Incwala, or first fruits ceremony, in which he King plays a dominant role, is the most acred of all the Swazi rituals. It is held in December or January on a date chosen by astrologers in conjunction with the phases of the moon and sun. The ritual begins with a journey by the “Bemanti” (people of the water) to the Indian Ocean to collect water and on their return to the royal kraal, the ittle Incwala begins, on the new moon. At he full moon, youths from all parts of the kingdom travel to collect the sacred branches of the “lusekwane” shrub, a species of acacia. On the third day a bull is ritually laughtered by the youths, instilling solidarity among them and a spirit of valour. The fourth day is the culmination of the Incwala when he King, in full ceremonial dress, joins his warriors in the traditional dance. He then enters a special sanctuary and after further ituals, eats the first fruits of the season. On he appearance of the King to his people, hey may also eat these fruits with the blessing of the ancestors.Certain parts of the Incwala may not be witnessed by outside people and it is vital to have a permit to take photographs within the proximity of the royal cattle byre.
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