Friday, September 20, 2019

Eswatini: Royal Proposals at Umhlanga 2019

Royal Proposals:

Two official royal proposals were made during this year's dance. First one from His Royal Highness Prince Majahonke at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.

In custom with Eswatini customs and traditions, a man publicly declares his love and interest to a maiden by bowing and placing a shield infront of her as she dances with other maidens.

And that's how His Majesty's second eldest son with HRH Inkhosikati LaMotsa(her first son) did in the presence of his father, grandmother, mothers and the entire kingdom when he publicly proposed to his girlfriend and gospel singer Nothando Hlophe. He became the first of the King's children and son

Nothando who had the red feathers of the Royal Bird also know as Ligwalagwala plugged in her hair just like the princesses was dancing alongside them. The feathers of the Royal Bird are reserves for female members of the royal family.

During her dance, His Royal Highness approached his future bride accompanied by his brothers performing the traditions as well as plucked one feather publicly declaring his love. They then engaged in a short conversation, dance together as the accompanied princes returned to their seats.

Princess Tiyandza's engagement:

On Friday September 13th, it was the future groom's elder sister HRH Princess Tiyandza who was proposed to.

During the Shiselweni Umhlanga ceremony witnessed yet another colourful and historic moment when Luis Leite publicly declared his love for Princess Tiyandza at Mbangweni Royal Residence.

The princess, who is well known as ‘Titi’ to her family and friends, wore a perfect smile when her future groom Luis bravely approached the Arena to perform the customary act  as she dance alongside her siblings TRH Prince Lusuku and Princess Temaswati. This was much to the delight of all especially that of her proud father, grandmother and mothers especially her mother HRH Inkhosikati LaNgangaza.

The crowd could not help but ululate and applaud as the Mozambican national did it the traditional way by decorating the Princess with a white feather.

Emazinyane were still dancing with their sister and closely witnessed the special moment which lasted for about a minute, yet it is very symbolic.

According to reports, HRH was dancing to the song titled, Selingshonele Mbangazitha, which translates to my days are gone your Majesty.

This was when the princess was at the centre of the arena dancing beautifully with Emazinyane.

This sparked colour to the ceremony, evident in the way that the spectators went wild with ululations, screams, broad and warm smiles as the princesses continued to dance, while Luis continued to do the kudlalisela.

Accompanied by two of Emajaha Mdabulo and Shiyumsuthu who led him to the arena to officially declare before the nation his love for the princess.  Luis was also properly dressed in traditional regalia just like a true Liswati warrior, came from the left of the arena while the princess was doing a solo dance.

The incident was also very well received in the arena and proved to be a major highlight of this year.

At the end of the proposal, Luis later met with His Majesty and Her Majesty the Queen Mother who were in all smiles as the congratulated the future groom.

Both couples later privately met with Her Majesty the Queen Mother who celebrations

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