The Reed Dance today is not an ancient ceremony but a development of the old "umchwasho" custom. In "umchwasho", all young girls were placed in a female age-regiment. If any girl became pregnant outside of marriage, her family paid a fine of one cow to the local chief. After a number of years, when the girls had reached a marriageable age, they would perform labour service for the Queen Mother, ending with dancing and feasting. The country was under the chastity rite of "umchwasho" until 19 August 2005. COUNT 5
QSN1 Until what date was Swaziland bound by umchwasho? ANS1 19 August 2005 QSN2 What occurs during the custom of umchwaso in Swaziland? ANS2 If any girl became pregnant outside of marriage, her family paid a fine QSN3 Who became bound by umchwaso in Swaziland? ANS3 all young girls QSN4 From where did the Reed Dance originate? ANS4 the old "umchwasho" custom QSN5 What would the end of umchwasho be marked with? ANS5 dancing and feasting