The Zulu people are native to SouthAfricaand comprise one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa.
The Zulu are renowned for their glamorous attire, beadworks, and fascinating culture.
One of their most distinctive traditions has to do with the Umemulo ceremony.
Maidens during the annual Umkhosi Womhlanga (reed dance) at Enyokeni Royal Palace on September 08, 2018 in KwaNongoma, South Africa. Photo: Jabulani LangaSource: Getty Images
This is an essential ceremony that marks a girl’s transition into womanhood.
New feature:Check out news exactlyfor YOU find Recommended for you block and enjoy!
There are numerous activities, preparations, and procedures surrounding the Umemulo ceremony.
Read also
It typically involves girls aged 21, although it can happen anytime after her 13th birthday.
Umemulo’s meaning is ‘coming of age.’
Everything about the Umemulo ceremony
Yini Umemulo (what is Umemulo?).
Ntombi Nhlapho during the annual Umkhosi Womhlanga (reed dance) at Enyokeni Royal Palace on September 08, 2018 in KwaNongoma, South Africa. Photo: Thulie DlaminiSource: Getty Images
Here is everything one needs to know about the ceremony’s preparation, importance, and procedures.
When do Umemulo preparations begin?
A girl’s Umemulo ceremony preparations begin when she hits puberty.
Read also
Normally, this falls between her 13th and 14th birthdays.
Once she reaches this age, the countdown for her Umemulo begins.
Conventionally, chastity is a highly valued virtue for those undergoing the ceremony.
Read also
However, it is not mandatory.
What takes place prior to Umemulo?
During the week, the girl is not allowed outside the secluded house.
Samkeliwe Indoni Nzimande during the annual Umkhosi Womhlanga (reed dance) at Enyokeni Royal Palace on September 08, 2018 in KwaNongoma, South Africa. Photo: Thulie DlaminiSource: Getty Images
Her izimpelesi brings anything she requires.
She leaves the house to welcome the cow gifted to her by her family.
After this, she returns to the house and is welcomed by her maidens with songs.
Read also
At midnight, the girls leave the house completely naked to go and sleep along a riverbank.
During sleep, they cover themselves with blankets.
On the day of the ceremony
Wenziwa Kanjani Umemulo?
Read also
(How is Umemulo done/made)?
Those with positive outcomes get ululations to inform their families of their virtue.
All the girls then bathe in the river and wear traditional Zulu in readiness for the ceremony.
Young girls at the annual reed dance at eNyokeni Royal Palace on September 6, 2014 in Nongoma, South Africa. Photo: Khaya NgwenyaSource: Getty Images
Every girl leaves the river alongside her izimpelesi.
Some fat from the slaughtered cow is then applied to the top of her head.
When she gets to the front of the home, she must throw the spear.
Read also
The girl will then blow a whistle as a way of seeking gifts in the form of monetary contributions.
Those in attendance are then supposed to shower her with money in the form of notes.
The money is typically put in the ceremonial hat the girl wears to the ceremony.
What are the other family roles during Umemulo?
Some parts of the cow are then used for deeper, traditional rituals.
Supatra Sasuphan: Meet the world’s hairiest girl
This is done to connect the girl with her ancestors.
It is also said to contribute toward the girl finding a good husband.
What is the importance of Umemulo?
Umemulo ceremonies typically mark the transition of young Zulu girls into women.
The girls are deemedready for marriageafter the ceremony.
Traditionally, Umemulo was the perfect chance for young men to propose marriage to the girls being celebrated.
After that, he and the girl will be officially engaged.
What attires are worn during Umemulo?
Here is a look at the general dress code for various members of society during Umemulo.
In the Zulu tradition,women dressdifferently during various stages of their lives.
These two are designed to cover the man’s private parts.
Only men from royalty are allowed to wear leopard skin as part of their attire.
Zulu headbands are purely for married men.
What are Ukusina and Omkhonto?
Ukusina and Omkhonto are integral aspects of the Umemulo ceremony.
Ukusina is the traditional dance that the girl undergoing the ceremony must learn and perform for those who attend.
Nowadays, that gift is normally in monetary terms.
While the ceremony has changed slightly from what it was decades ago, its main definitive aspects remain.
The ceremony’s main purpose is to prepare and mark a girl’s transition into womanhood.
South Africa is world-renowned for its vibranteconomy, beautiful beaches and mountains, and life-filled cities.
What are the things every visitor should know about this beautiful country?
New feature:check out news exactlyfor YOU find “Recommended for you” block and enjoy!
She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019.
The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course.
it’s possible for you to email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle.
Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University.
She has more than five years in writing.
In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024.
Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
