Centuries-old African rituals practiced today to encourage celibacy

Umhlanga– South Africa and Swaziland

Umhlanga occurs in South Africa among the Zulu tribe members. The act is carried out by those who live in the KwaZulu Natal province.

The virginity of girls is tested by a qualified virginity tester.

In a secluded room, a young woman is checked while lying down on the floor with her legs opened. The tester opens her vagina with her bare hands and checks to see if the hymen is intact.

If the girl is proven to be a virgin, she is given a virginity certificate.

In Swaziland, girls report to the Queen Mother’s royal village. The next night, they travel to neighboring areas and cut tall reeds – which signify their virginity.

The following night, they put the reeds together and present them to the Queen Mother.

The reeds are then used in repairing holes in the reed windscreen surrounding the royal village.

After a day of washing and rest, the girls make their costumes using beads, cocoons, a sash and skirt.

The king’s many daughters and royal princess are distinguished by a red feather crown.

The young women wear their costumes with their bare chests while dancing in front of the king, spectators, tourists and dignitaries.