Page:The Way of a Virgin.djvu/24

Rh "……In opposition to those who exact the virginity of the bride, there are others who attach no importance whatever to it. ……The ancient Egyptians used to make an incision in the hymen previous to marriage, and St. Athanasius relates that among the Phoenicians a slave of the bridegroom was charged by him to deflower the bride. The Caraib Indians attached no value to virginity, and only the daughters of the higher classes were shut up during two years previous to marriage.

"It appears that among the Chibcha Indians in Central America virginity is not at all esteemed; it was considered to be a proof that the maiden had never been able to inspire love.

"In ancient Peru the old maids were the objects of high esteem. There were sacred virgins called 'Wives of the Sun,' somewhat similar to the Roman vestals. (The nuns of the present day, do they not style themselves the 'Spouses of Christ'?). They made a vow of perpetual chastity. ……It is also said they were buried alive when they happened to break their vow of chastity, unless indeed