FROM CHINAMWALI TO CHILANGIZO:

elderly people to mill their maize, to fetch water, smear their homes. Nowadays girls
refuse to help them.'
The meaning of menstruation. Mthethe is the cloth that is used during the menses, and
kukula (maturity) means kubvala mthethe (wearing menses linen), although some now
use cotton wool.
The menses linen. One instructress demonstrated what she termed the old practice of
wearing the menses linen, and how to dry one by putting it around the waist, and
lamented,'unfortunately, today's girls refuse to use them and instead they use cotton
wool and pants.' She explained that pants alone are not enough, especially with heavy
flow. They were told to be careful, for the cotton wool may fall down, that would be a
shameful thing. Instead, they must have pieces of cloth in addition, which must be kept
safely where no one can see them. The menses linen must be changed often, and if too
wet, should be thrown into the pit latrine.
The menses flow. When seated for long time, 'check yourselfbefore you stand.' People
will question whether a girl was really instructed (kodi analangizidwadi?) if she stains
her dress with blood. They were advised not to go to school the next morning when
menses begins at night. They should also isolate themselves from friends during the first
two days ofthe menses for the flow tends to be heavy. They should count dates to make
sure that they are prepared. Since they are defiled when menstruating, they should not
go near their parents.
Chizungu chakuphani (modernity is killing you) these days, for you have no respect for
your father, you just pass him by when menstruating, you do not know that you do
smell. Kuthawana ndi makolo until mwayeretsedwa! (Keep away from parents until you
are sanctified!).
Sexual purity. They were warned to be careful and not to engage in sexual activity.
They are to be careful with boys, for many of them just want to defile their sexuality
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