UNDERSTANDING BUGANU CEREMONY

Sir,

The Buganu (Marula) is a traditional ceremony in Eswatini that is of great cultural and spiritual significance. It is a sacred ritual that is performed to honour ancestors, ask for their blessings and seek their guidance.

The marula season usually begins each year in mid-February, bringing with it a celebration of harvest of the marula fruit. The ceremony is a traditional celebration in the country that marks the start of the Marula fruit season, where women present fermented marula fruit to the Queen Mother. During the ceremony, women get to network and showcase the various products they produce within their communities.

It is also a season where business ideas are shared and markets for products are availed, not only within the premises but beyond the festival itself. The celebration is usually accompanied by singing and dancing traditional songs. His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, Royal family, libutfo regiments, the entire nation and international guests from neigbouring countries and abroad will also partake in the ceremony. The King and Queen Mother are presented with marula gifts and some marula beer.

Transformation

The marula fruit, once primarily known for its use in brewing traditional beer in Eswatini, has undergone a remarkable transformation. It is now a key ingredient in a burgeoning industry producing beauty products, thanks to an initiative championed by Her Majesty Indlovukazi. This innovative project not only creates jobs but also provides a sustainable means of poverty alleviation for rural women across Eswatini. The positive ripple effect of this initiative has touched numerous families, bolstering their livelihoods and empowering women within their communities.

Beyond its economic impact, the marula fruit holds deep cultural significance, intertwined with the Buganu Ceremony. This annual event is a cornerstone of Eswatini’s heritage and a powerful symbol of national identity. By prioritising and actively preserving this time-honoured ritual, the country safeguards its rich cultural tapestry, ensuring that these invaluable traditions are passed down through generations.

Spiritual

The Buganu Ceremony also carries profound spiritual weight for emaSwati. It is a sacred occasion for individuals to connect with their ancestors, seeking their blessings, guidance and wisdom. Maintaining the sanctity of this ceremony is vital for preserving this spiritual connection and reinforcing the enduring bond between the living and their ancestors.

The Buganu Ceremony is more than just a cultural spectacle; it is a vital communal event that binds emaSwati together in celebration and reverence for their ancestors. It serves as a powerful reminder of their shared history and heritage.

By actively participating in the ceremony, communities reinforce social bonds, fostering unity and solidarity among members. This collective experience strengthens the fabric of society, creating a sense of belonging and shared identity. The Buganu Ceremony is crucial for cultural preservation, ensuring that traditional practices and knowledge are passed down through generations, preventing them from being lost to time.

It also maintains vital spiritual connections, providing a sacred space for individuals to honour their ancestors and seek their blessings and guidance. This spiritual dimension adds depth and meaning to the ceremony, strengthening the link between the living and the departed.

Reconnect

Therefore, I encourage all emaSwati to reconnect with their roots and restore the Buganu Ceremony to its rightful place of dignity and importance. By embracing and celebrating this significant event, the nation can revitalise its cultural heritage, strengthening community bonds and fostering a deeper connection with its traditions and ancestors.

This renewed appreciation for traditional ceremonies like the Buganu Ceremony will enrich the cultural tapestry of Eswatini, promoting a profound sense of unity, pride, and national identity among its people. It is a celebration of who we are and where we come from, and a vital part of shaping our future.

Mkhuleko Mpandza

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