#South

Описание: The History of Geloftedag

Geloftedag, also known as the Day of the Vow, commemorates a vow made by Voortrekkers during the Great Trek in the 1830s. It is linked to events leading up to the Battle of Blood River, which took place on 16 December 1838 in present day KwaZulu-Natal.

In 1838, Voortrekker groups were in conflict with the Zulu Kingdom under King Dingane. A commando led by Andries Pretorius prepared to face a much larger Zulu force. On 9 December 1838, the Voortrekkers made a religious vow. They promised that, if God granted them victory, they would observe the day annually as a day of thanksgiving and build a church in His honour.

The Battle of Blood River was fought on 16 December 1838 along the Ncome River. The Voortrekkers formed a defensive laager of wagons and used firearms and artillery against the Zulu army. According to accounts, the Voortrekkers suffered no fatalities while large numbers of Zulu warriors were killed. The Voortrekkers interpreted the outcome as fulfilment of their vow.

After the battle, the vow became an important religious observance among Afrikaners. The date was marked each year with church services and remembrance. In Pietermaritzburg, a church known as the Church of the Vow (Geloftekerk) was completed in 1841 as part of the fulfilment of the promise made in 1838.

After the political changes of the early 1990s, the public meaning of 16 December was revised. In 1994, it was renamed the Day of Reconciliation. The new holiday was intended to acknowledge the country’s divided past while promoting unity and reconciliation among all South Africans.

Geloftedag, also known as the Day of the Vow, commemorates a vow made by Voortrekkers during the Great Trek in the 1830s. It is linked to events leading up to the Battle of Blood River, which took place on 16 December 1838 in present day KwaZulu-Natal.

In 1838, Voortrekker groups were in conflict with the Zulu Kingdom under King Dingane. A commando led by Andries Pretorius prepared to face a much larger Zulu force. On 9 December 1838, the Voortrekkers made a religious vow. They promised that, if God granted them victory, they would observe the day annually as a day of thanksgiving and build a church in His honour.

The Battle of Blood River was fought on 16 December 1838 along the Ncome River. The Voortrekkers formed a defensive laager of wagons and used firearms and artillery against the Zulu army. According to accounts, the Voortrekkers suffered no fatalities while large numbers of Zulu warriors were killed. The Voortrekkers interpreted the outcome as fulfilment of their vow.

After the battle, the vow became an important religious observance among Afrikaners. The date was marked each year with church services and remembrance. In Pietermaritzburg, a church known as the Church of the Vow (Geloftekerk) was completed in 1841 as part of the fulfilment of the promise made in 1838.

After the political changes of the early 1990s, the public meaning of 16 December was revised. In 1994, it was renamed the Day of Reconciliation. The new holiday was intended to acknowledge the country’s divided past while promoting unity and reconciliation among all South Africans.