Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A traditional chastity rite in Swaziland, during which unmarried women must abstain from sex and wear a set of tassels.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From a Swazi language.

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Examples

  • The ban, imposed in 2001 to combat the spread of HIV-AIDS, marked a revival of an ancient "umchwasho" or custom, with young girls required to wear woollen tassels around their neck as a sign of their virginity.

    ANC Daily News Briefing 2005

  • A little over a week ago, the king ended his ban on sexual activity for girls under 18, aka "umchwasho," one year earlier than expected.

    Swaziland: Where to Start? Heo 2005

  • In 2001, Mswati temporarily revived the ancient "umchwasho" rite, which bans sexual relations for girls younger than 18 in a bid to fight AIDS, which is at crisis levels in Swaziland.

    ANC Daily News Briefing 2005

  • The king instituted "umchwasho" in an attempt to curb the spread of AIDS.

    Swaziland: Where to Start? Heo 2005

  • The king instituted "umchwasho" in an attempt to curb the spread of AIDS.

    Archive 2005-08-01 Heo 2005

  • In 2001, Mswati temporarily revived the ancient "umchwasho" rite, which bans sexual relations for girls younger than 18 in a bid to fight AIDS, which is at crisis levels in Swaziland.

    ANC Daily News Briefing 2005

  • Dlamini dismissed a local newspaper editorial stating that photographs of piles of discarded "umchwasho" tassels were a

    ANC Daily News Briefing 2005

  • A little over a week ago, the king ended his ban on sexual activity for girls under 18, aka "umchwasho," one year earlier than expected.

    Archive 2005-08-01 Heo 2005

  • "umchwasho" chastity pledge on August 22, ahead of the annual reed dance ceremony where the king is expected to choose yet another new bride, state-run Radio Swaziland said Thursday.

    ANC Daily News Briefing 2005

  • Speculation that Phindile would be the next royal bride has been rife since she was seen being driven by royal body guards at the time of the annual reed dance, which came days after the king ended umchwasho.

    ANC Daily News Briefing 2005

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