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The Swazis believe in respect for their ancestors, life continues after death, and part of the traditional lifestyle includes looking for guidance from the ancestors. Unlike many religions, there are no physical idols or icons, the spirit of the ancestors resides within the homestead. There are certain rituals which are observed from time to time which ensure a smooth flow of communication with the ancestors.
An example is when there is a new addition to the family, especially a bride. Accepting the bride into the homestead is a most drastic measure as you are bringing in an unknown spirit.
Marriage in Swaziland is a process rather than an occasion. After the courtship, the young man takes the bride home. She will be rudely awoken in the early hours of the morning (not entirely unexpectedly!) and will be taken to the cattle byre. It is not unknown for her to be verbally abused by the women, to the point where she may be reduced to tears - this is the recognition that she is an unknown quantity, who might in future disturb the peace of the entire homestead.
The marriage ritual is conducted in the cattle byre where she is presented to the ancestors of the family. Her forehead is smeared with red ochre, and a goat is slaughtered, and a goatskin bracelet is tied around her wrist (the goatskin bracelet is not unlike the ring in western marriages). After this, messengers bearing selected portions of the goat (umsasane) are sent to deliver the meat to the bride's family. The messengers' delivery method may be somewhat hasty, lest they be held responsible for the bride's disappearance from her family! But the message is delivered, and thus ends the first chapter in the somewhat lengthly process of the marriage!
When she becomes one of the family, she may not leave this family unless it is for one of three reasons: adultery, theft or witchcraft. In these circumstances the family may throw her out, but her family may intercede on her behalf and negotiate with the husband's family.
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