Umchwasho (Swazi: [umǀʰwaʃo])[clarification needed] is a traditional chastity rite in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland).
While the rite is active, unmarried women are not allowed to have sexual relations and must wear a traditional set of tassels.
Those aged 19 or over must wear red-and-black tassels and are allowed some physical contact with males but not sexual intercourse.
King Mswati III imposed the ban on sex among the unmarried, in an effort to help stop the spread of HIV and AIDS, which is particularly prevalent in the country.
The King also drew criticism when he married a teen during the period, fining himself one cow for breaking the rules.