Incwala

The Ncwala (or iNcwala, the "i-" prefix means "the"), also known as 'Festival of the First Fruits,' is an important Swazi religious ritual that takes place in the latter half of December, and continues into January of the successive year. It is an annual ceremony lasting three weeks that unites the inhabitants of Swaziland in order to gain blessings from ancestors. This important event also serves the purpose of renewing the kingship of the nation and commencing the harvesting season.

According to Southern Africa Report, the ceremony includes an element of ritual bestiality:

"The ceremony is cloaked in secrecy and marks the king’s return to public life after a period of withdrawal and spiritual contemplation.

Among its highlights is a symbolic demonstration by the king of his power and dominance in a process involving his penetration of a black bull, beaten into semi-conscious immobility to ensure its compliant acceptance of the royal touch. The royal semen is then collected by a courtier and stored, for subsequent inclusion in food to be served at Sibaya – traditional councils – and other national forums."''

Sources

• http://www.hostelscentral.com/hostels-article-435.html
• http://www.planetware.com/swaziland/incwala-saf-swz-inc.htm
• http://www.sntc.org.sz/cultural/swaziculture2.html
• http://www.southernafricareport.com/Member/SecurePages/SecureNews.aspx?niid=12064