What does "virginity" really mean? The definition has changed greatly from the origination of the word, with its transformation to a sexual term in medieval times and today's adaptation of the word. Below is some history about "virginity" you might find of interest.

• Virgo – Origination of "Virgin"
• Medieval Transformation of Virgin
• Today's Interpretation

Virgo – Origination of "Virgin"

"Virgin" originated from the Greek and Latin word "Virgo," or maiden. It was used often in Greek mythology to classify several goddesses such as Artemis (also known as Diana) and Hestia. Virgin was a label of strength and independence -- it described the goddesses who were immune to the temptations of Dionysus, Greek god of seduction and wine. Artemis is the Greek virgin goddess of the moon and the hunt; she protects women in labor, small children and wild animals. Hestia is the Greek virgin goddess of the hearth. She never takes part in the struggle of men and gods. Virginity was once a term of power.
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Medieval Transformation of Virgin

In medieval times, virginity became a sexual term for a heterosexual woman in a physical state of not having had been penetrated by a penis. "Virginity" was classified as a gift from the Christian God only to be released by a "husband." It was expected for a woman to remain chaste until marriage; a woman broke her family's honor if she was not chaste and was often punished. Tests of chastity, both medical and mystical, were used on women to verify their status.

One such test was checking for a hymen, or thin flap of skin located ½ inch inside most women's vaginas upon birth. If the hymen was still intact, the woman was said to be "virgin." This test had been developed or adopted by various other cultures as well.
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Today's Interpretation

In the last few decades, the term or label "virgin" has become confusing as we try to label persons of both genders -- as well as transgendered persons and all persons of sexual orientations (straight, gay and bisexual).

The old concept of checking for a woman's hymen to determine if she is a virgin is being thrown out as more is understood about the hymen. Not all women are born with hymens, some are born without fully intact hymens, and the membrane is so thin that it often breaks with normal physical activity such as running, gymnastics or horseback riding. Today it's assumed that "virgin" means not having had been penetrated sexually. But what is considered "de-virginizing" penetration is still unclear -- does it mean penetration by a penis, finger, tongue or experience alone? Even more confusing is how society judges a "virgin." Sometimes the name is used condescendingly, sometimes in high regard and sometimes simply just as a fact.

So there you have it -- the history and confusion of the word "virgin." It still leaves a question as to what "virginity" really means. As society is still confused, it's up to us to develop our own personal interpretation of the word. Many would like to regain the association of the word "virgin" with power, extending to all persons. However you decide to personalize the term, don't force your interpretation on others. If your potential partner discuss "virginity" versus "non-virginity" make sure you are clear on your definitions. 

What Is A Real Test Of A Woman Virginity? 

It is true, a lady can lose her virginity as a result of other activities apart from sex. I don't know why the lady is complaining. Maybe you are her would be suitor and curious about the claim.

I believe there is a way of knowing a virgin. However, just like the convention "tearing of hymen" can be faked, there is no absolute guaranttee. Why the stess? It is only a foolish man that would pick virginity over dignity.

Went thru the thread and it reminded me of a discussion that took place in my room at school some weeks back. We had been trying to determine when a girl loses her virginity. Out of curiousity, i posted the topic on Yahoo Answers and i got some rather reasonable answers. One of which was that a girl loses her virginity only upon pentration of the manliness into her womanliness. Period.
In other words, as long as your friend ha not actually slept with a man, she is still, technically, a virgin. Full Stop, End of Quote.

Tell the girl not to worry she is still a virgin, from my experience with my hubby, i was a virgin ,the very first time we tried to have  sex, my hemen got torn, it bleeded, but still we havnt had sex yet, he tried ,the next two days, his p***s couldnt penetrate ,and it was painful, he kept trying day by day untill it was ok, so she should not be afraid ,the guy will truely find out himself.

Physical Virginity Tests in Africa!!!!!!

To all Ladies out there - anyone of you dare to take this tests ??????????

Thousands of girls in South Africa are queuing up each month to prove that they are virgins, reviving an African tradition seen by many as the answer to the scourge of AIDS.

Bare-breasted teenagers wearing nothing but strings of beads and colourful loincloths regularly submit to the ordeal of having a stranger check if their hymens are intact, leaping for joy when the test confirms that they are still virgins.

Advocates say the revival of the rite, which had died out in all but a few rural areas late in the 20th century, is the most effective way to stop the spread of teenage pregnancies and the deadly HIV virus, believed to affect one in 10 South Africans.

Opponents argue that the practice is unconstitutional, unhygienic and violates the human rights of those being tested.

"Those who are behind the comeback...say that if we test young girls to see if they are virgins they will be fearful and will not engage in sexual activity," said Phumelele Ntombela-Nzinande, former deputy head of the Commission for Gender Equality.

"We are arguing that this practice undermines the principles of equality, freedom and human dignity. It is difficult to tell whether or not a girl has had intercourse and after touching about 600 girls you can easily transfer infections."

Girls between the age of seven and 26 lie on a mat in front of the woman doing the test, which only takes a few seconds. It is often carried out with bare hands and the tester seldom washes them.

Girls who pass get white stars pasted on their foreheads and a certificate confirming their virginity.

"We have come here to celebrate and keep our culture going," 16- year-old Brenda Mkhize told Reuters television after her test.

"It's better to be a virgin than to have AIDS and have a baby at the age of 16...we don't see any reason to sleep with a guy, and I think I will stay like this until I get married."

Mkhize was one of hundreds of girls attending a virginity celebration at a sports stadium near Durban in December.

Afterwards, the girls sang and danced in traditional Zulu fashion.

"We are here because we are proud of ourselves, because we are virgins," another girl said.

Any volunteers from Asia for this tests??????