Umhlonyane shot of maiden (Patreon)

uMhlonyane is a traditional ceremony of the Zulu people for girls when they reach womanhood, depending on what age they reach it. This ritual is done to introduce a girl to the different stages of womanhood and to warn her to be careful and be watchful of her behaviour. It is also meant to teach girls how to behave when they reach puberty.

“The ceremony represents Ubuntu and it is important to keep your v**ginity till you are old enough because you not only make your family proud, but you make yourself worthy to be a proud young lady in your community.