Traditional marriage in Ethiopia — Tumblr
Blood or be whipped
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In Ethiopia, virginity is a big deal in the society. After the formal introductions to the marriage, the payment of the bride price, followed by music and dance, the bride must prove her virginity on the wedding night or face the consequences.
In ancient times, to do this, the bride must take her scarf into the matrimonial bedroom to take blood as proof that she is a virgin.
Meanwhile, her mother-in-law and her husband’s best man must wait outside while her husband has sex with her for the first time.
If there is no proof of virginity, her husband can whip her or even send her back to her people who would then have to refund his dowry.
But if there is proof that she is a virgin, celebrations will continue while the mother-in-law and best man take possession of the stained scarf.
After five days, the mother-in-law will take the stained scarf to the bride’s family with gifts congratulating them for “properly” bringing up their daughter.
