I just saw a video report on the Zulu Reed Dance which is an annual event to promote purity among and respect for young women. During the dance, virgins bearing reeds from the river process to the king's palace before reaffirming their commitment to remain pure. In the past the king would choose his future bride from among those gathered and according to Zulu mythology, if a reed should break it was a sign its bearer was no longer a virgin. Today the custom is seen as an important way of preventing contraction of AIDS and other STDs, as well as giving a spiritual dimension to marriage and sexuality, but it does have its critics, notably the South African government.