Ulwaluko - male initiation ceremony of the Xhosa people of South Africa. The ritual is traditionally intended as a teaching institution, to prepare young males for the responsibilities of manhood. (young man with blanket over his head). A male who has not undergone initiation is referred to as inkwenkwe (boy), regardless of his age, and is not allowed to take part in male activities such as tribal meetings. The initiation ritual is commonly conducted during June or December.[4] During the ritual process the traditional surgeon (ingcibi) severs the foreskin using an assegaai (sharp knife), after which he says "You are a man!" The initiate shouts in reply "Ndiyindoda!" ("I am a man!"). The foreskin is subsequently attached to the initiate's blanket. The period of seclusion that follows lasts about one month and is divided into two phases. During the first eight days the initiates are confined to a hut and the use of certain foods is restricted. This phase culminates in the ukosiswa rite, during which food taboos are released, marking the transition to the second phase that lasts a further two to three weeks. During these phases the initiates are looked after by the ikhankatha (traditional attendant). The termination of the period of seclusion commences when the boys are urged to race down to the river to wash themselves. The hut and the initiates' possessions are burnt. Each initiate receives a new blanket and is now called "ikrwala" (singular) which means new man or amakrwala (plural) (new man). This young man has returned from his time away.