Sworn Virgins of the Balkan Highlands

Once widely spread in the Dinaric Mountains part of Balkan Peninsula swearing to virginity was a social and cultural custom recorded among all groups inhabiting area. In absence capable adult man household, daughter would take over his role by ‘becoming’ man. The standard explanation is that function this practice enabling continuation household’s economic, social, religious activities. We argue fails. A better that, because lack particular kind (competent honourable) perceived as shame these societies, primary reason for saving family honour.