-
Amongst the girls of the Himba tribe of Namibia the “Moon Cycle” celebration occurs after the girls first menstruation cycle. This ritual honors transformation from girlhood to womanhood by anointing her into an Afrikan queen. For five days the Himba women will sing, dance and share stories late into the night. The Himba society celebrates and empowers girls during this time which is considered according to tradition as a “sacred period”. The womanhood ritual is also the first time a traditional leather crown is mounted upon her head to symbolise womanhood but also that she is marriageable.
