Born in 1968, King Mswati III has currently a total of 14 wives and 23 children. His father, king Sobhuza II had 70 wives and 210 children.A Swazi king's first two wives are chosen for him by the national councillors.
According to tradition, he can only marry his fiancées after they have fallen pregnant, proving they can bear heirs. Until then, they are termed liphovela, or "brides".
The famous 'Reed Dance' is a traditional opportunity for Swaziland's maidens to pay tribute to the Queen Mother. Although the King has used the occasion to choose wives a few times, the ceremony is not about him primarily. But many people mistakenly believe that this is a special ceremony for the king to choose his wives. Some people believe the king chooses his wives every year.
In 2001 he married a 17 year - old girl, his 13th wife, two months after he announced he the famous five years ban to sexual relations to all Swazi midens as his attempt to mitigate the HIV and AIDS pandemic.
Swaziland, is one of poorest countries in the world. See the map, where Swaziland is.
(Pictures from demotix.com and loneyplanet.com. Information from Wikipedia.com)
Story compiled by Mdau, in South Africa.
1 comments:
Is there a reason behind their tradition for the king the marry many wives? or is just the tradition.
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