Afro-Linked Traditional Annual Ceremonies (First Fruits)
Both the AmaZulu and the Ngoni people are powerful tribes in their own right, and they both participate in sacred rituals. As a result, each year they perform annual ceremonies that have been passed down from generation to generation: uMkhosi Wokweshwama for the AmaZulu and N'cwala for the Ngoni people. These rituals make it abundantly evident that the Ngoni and AmaZulu people share deeper facets of their customs and cultures in addition to clothing.
Every year, visitors from all over the world journey to the eastern region of Zambia to take part in the renowned n'cwala event, which takes place in the Chipata community of Mtenguleni. The N'cwala ceremony is a showcase for the majority of the sacred traditions of the Ngoni people. It begins with a gathering of elderly women, known as Manina ya khosi (mothers of the king), outside the king's temporary house, which was built specifically for the ceremony.
These women, who are over 60 years old, gather around to sing and clean what appears to be a leopard skin blanket, which is used as a table when the first fruits are being taken to the ancestors. During this time, no virgin girls are allowed near the king, and everyone is instructed to refrain from engaging in sexual activity.
Ngoni dancers at the N'cwala ceremony
Photo Source: www.thomasroccio.com
CChMpezeni
The king accepts to go to the ceremony and is escorted by state police officials and his warriors. The warrior, dressed in full Ngoni attire, approaches the king with his spear raised and offers words of praise, adding, "Nkhosi Yamakhosi (king of kings) among others." This occurs while the manina ya khosi (the king's mothers) are singing. The ceremonial formally begins when the Ngoni people's king takes his throne.
Photo Source: www.thomasroccio.com
CChMpezeni
The king accepts to go to the ceremony and is escorted by state police officials and his warriors. The warrior, dressed in full Ngoni attire, approaches the king with his spear raised and offers words of praise, adding, "Nkhosi Yamakhosi (king of kings) among others." This occurs while the manina ya khosi (the king's mothers) are singing. The ceremonial formally begins when the Ngoni people's king takes his throne.
Ngoni warriors with the slain bull
Photo Source: unknown
The strongest warrior is tasked with killing a cow during this period. The bull must be a black bull, the healthiest, and fattest. The warrior must stab the bull in the neck with a spare before it gets cold so the king can drink it. The bull's internal organs are then roasted medium rare for the king. Traditional dances, songs, and drumming enliven the crowd. Whether or not the ngoni people are present, the entire point of this rite is to sacrifice the first fruits, or crops, to the ancestors on their behalf. They feel that the ancestors will then bless the harvest following the crop sacrifice.
This also applies to the amaZulu; people from all over the world attend the yearly Umkhosi Wokweshwama event, which is held in December at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma. Similar to the N'cwala ritual, drums, singing, and traditional dances are featured during this event.
At this momentous occasion, the monarch is offered the first fruits (crops); he consumes the first crop, offers sacrifices to the ancestors, and prays to God for a fruitful harvest on behalf of the Zulu people. Young men take part by using their bare hands to slay a black bull, which is then prepared for the king.
AmaZulu men at the Umkhosi Wokweshwama
Photo Source: www.kznheritage.org
The idea that this ritual supports the King and the kingdom is another significant component. The King uses the occasion to address the crowd on social issues, HIV/AIDS, morality, and the roles that men should play in their homes and communities.
Everyone there gets to partake in the first fruits as music and dancing continue at the conclusion of the day.
The strongest warrior is tasked with killing a cow during this period. The bull must be a black bull, the healthiest, and fattest. The warrior must stab the bull in the neck with a spare before it gets cold so the king can drink it. The bull's internal organs are then roasted medium rare for the king. Traditional dances, songs, and drumming enliven the crowd. Whether or not the ngoni people are present, the entire point of this rite is to sacrifice the first fruits, or crops, to the ancestors on their behalf. They feel that the ancestors will then bless the harvest following the crop sacrifice.
This also applies to the amaZulu; people from all over the world attend the yearly Umkhosi Wokweshwama event, which is held in December at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma. Similar to the N'cwala ritual, drums, singing, and traditional dances are featured during this event.
At this momentous occasion, the monarch is offered the first fruits (crops); he consumes the first crop, offers sacrifices to the ancestors, and prays to God for a fruitful harvest on behalf of the Zulu people. Young men take part by using their bare hands to slay a black bull, which is then prepared for the king.
AmaZulu men at the Umkhosi Wokweshwama
Photo Source: www.kznheritage.org
The idea that this ritual supports the King and the kingdom is another significant component. The King uses the occasion to address the crowd on social issues, HIV/AIDS, morality, and the roles that men should play in their homes and communities.
Everyone there gets to partake in the first fruits as music and dancing continue at the conclusion of the day.
Zulu warriors with the slain bull.
Photo Source: www.zuluculture.co.za
Photo Source: www.zuluculture.co.za
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