havha - REDNESS (SUNRISE, MESTRUAL BLOOD) When all have done mavhavhe, they move back in file to re-enter the ruler's courtyard. The girls hold their hands above their heads and clap in time to the song havha i ya wa (the redness is falling), Vhusha Song No. 11.   Novices move back towards the courtyard and dancing ground, singing and clapping in time to the rhythm of the song, 'thavha i ya wa' (the redness is falling). Those who have already performed the rite stand and sing at the back of the file.   Lesson When she has her first menses, a woman must hide any sign of blood. She must wear two public coverings (); an old one is worn inside as a tampon, and a good one is worn externally, like a public apron. She must do this even when she wears the longer skirt of married women, under which the public apron is normally worn. Her husband will then know that she is menstruating and that intercourse is forbidden.    Mulayo  257 amusi ri tshi vhuya mavhavheni: ri vhuya na . Ri tshi' " i ya wa": vha amba arali o vhona yawe, u funa u -lugisa: a sa vhonali zwauri o vhona tshithu-. (Now when we go back from the place of the burning: we go back with havha. When we say, "The redness is falling": this means that if a girl has seen her monthlies, she wants to fix herself up nicely: she wants to look as if she has seen no such thing.) Video Clip  To return, click 'Back' in the browser. Next