FROM CHINAMWALI TO CHILANGIZO:

their own bath dish, or wash at the river. At the end of every menstruation, the girls
used to smear their parents' homes, but for us Christians,
We want you to come and show us your menses every month. You can come to either
of us - the instructress, or Amayi busa. We are saying all this because we want you to
have Christian marriages.
(Amayi busa)
Attitude towards men. The girls must avoid playing with men. Now that they have
matured they must fear them, for they are evil. It is not good that today they have been
instructed, and tomorrow they run away with a man. They must inform their parents and
the church if they are courting, for the book says so. They were told to take care of
themselves for their bodies are the temple ofGod. The instructresses' lament was that:
We the instructresses are being despised that we are not doing our work well, and so we
want you girls to marry in church. Today the pastor knows that you, the seven girls who
are here today, means seven marriage ceremonies. We are really pleading with you girls
not to shame us.
Decency in dress. Since they are now grown up their dressing must also change.
Kubvala kosalondeka ail (Indecency in dressing is forbidden!) especially in the pres­
ence of their father. One instructress turned to the girl who had been reported by her
mother concerning her dressing and asked her: 'Does your mother give you enough
underwear?' The girl replied in the negative. 'We are going to talk with your mother
for, if she does not give you, where does she expect you to get them from!' 'It is true
that some parents' behaviour can mislead a child!' commented one instructress.
Obedience. The girls are to be obedient to their parents, especially when the parents are
rebuking them. When the girls are called, they must go, kneel, and listen, without com­
plaining.
Physical fitness. As written in the book, having menses is not an illness that should
make one lie down as if she is sick. It is shameful to do that. The girls must continue to
assist in house chores, much more now that they are adults. The parents must see
change in them. 'You must do your housework before you go to chiwale (gambling
using beads).'
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