In traditional African culture, premarital s3x is highly frowned upon. Some believe s3x is an act that should be shared only between a husband and wife.
African rites stress the need for procreation and preservation of customs which is believed can only be successfully achieved through the union of a man and woman.
In modern African culture, though abstinence is preached and encouraged, the importance has subsided. It is not uncommon to find couples engaging in intercourse before marriage.
No matter what side of the fence you are on, one thing that is important to note is that the customs are present no matter how imperative it is to learn and discuss one’s cultural norms.
The following are African rituals that are meant 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.
Dipo – Ghana
Dipo is a rite of passage practised in the Eastern region of Ghana. The traditional festival is carried out by the residents of Odumase-Krobo.
Upon announcement of the festival, mothers send their daughters to chief priest.
A set of rituals and tests commence that determine if the girls are allowed to participate in the festival.
The girls have their heads shaved, wrapped with a cloth from their waist that reaches their knees and is given a bath by the chief priest.
The next morning the chief pours libations and asks for blessings for the girls. The girl’s feet are washed with the blood of a goat in hopes of cleansing them from a spirit of sterility.
The girls are then directed to sit on the sacred stone, called Tekpete. If found to be pregnant or unchaste, they are ostracized by their community and aren’t able to marry any man from the tribe.
The girls wear white strips of calico on their head and chest.
They are then splashed with chalky water to ward off evil spirits.
The girls are then housed for a week where they learn how to cook, housekeeping, caring for children. They are also taught how to properly treat and seduce their husbands.
After schooling, the girls are dressed in Kente cloth and adorned with beads around their waste, neck and arms. They perform the klama dance to drums and singing.
Any man interested in any of the girls can then start gathering information about her and her family.
In the Swahili culture, a somo or marriage mentor is appointed to the bride. This mentor is one that is trained on how to be a sufficient wife.
This woman sleeps under the bed of the bride and groom to ensure that they have consummated their marriage.
Some choose to hold on to traditions as it relates to s3x before marriage. Others are laxer and prescribe to their own school of thought.
Himba Culture – Meet the African tribe that offers s3x to guests
