The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CUSTOM

IN LEBANON WE HAVE A CUSTOM THAT IS FOLLOWED WHEN A MAN AND A WOMAN
MARRY. A WOMAN MUST BE A VIRGIN WHEN SHE MARRIES, SO ON THE NIGHT
AFTER THE WEDDING, THE COUPLE TAKES THEIR BLOODY SHEET TO THE HOUSES
OF BOTH THEIR FAMILIES TO PROVE THIS. IF THE WOMAN WAS NOT A VIRGIN,
HER HUSBAND WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO DIVORCE HER AT ONCE, AND HER
FAMILY WOULD LOSE THEIR HONOR.

Submitter comment: THIS IS A CUSTOM FOLLOWED BY MUSLIMS IN LEBANON.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; COLLECTORS HOME

James Callow Keyword(s): BREAKING THE HYMEN

Date learned: 02-00-1979