In western culture, we have our own traditions and customs and are sometimes not overly accepting of aspects of other cultures. To people from other cultures, some of our wedding traditions, such as removing the garter and throwing the boutique, may seem outlandish. Although western society typically does not incorporate customs from other cultures, some people choose wedding traditions from others cultures for their own wedding. Although it is good to have an open mind, there are a few African wedding traditions that you may want to avoid.
Dowry is a very common wedding tradition in many parts of Africa. A dowry is basically a negotiated gift that the groom gives to the bride’s family. Although the amount of dowry can be determined a number of ways, it is very common for the dowry to connected to the bride’s overall desirability, as far as beauty, education, class, etc. In some cases, especially with arranged marriages, this can get out of hand and monetary value can determine who a girl gets married to.
There are several African ceremonial traditions that would be considered outlandish in many parts of the world. One African tribe has a number of “good luck” practices that would be considered anything but that in most places. As part of the marriage, the bride must gather all of her possessions and set off for the groom’s home on foot, sometimes walking very far. To bless the marriage with good luck, the bride’s father will spit on her before she begins her journey. When she arrives at the groom’s home, the women of his family, once again as a good luck charm, will yell insults at the bride.
In another tribe, before the wedding night a woman elder will instruct the bride on the proper way to please her new husband. In many cases, the elder will hide under the bed, so that if any problems arise she will be able to offer advice or assistance. In other tribes the marriage is not final on the day of the wedding ceremony. The marriage may not be complete until at least two children are born, or there are “temporary marriages,” in which the bride is paid housekeeper’s wages and are not eligible for inheritance.
If you are upset by getting ready for a wedding or getting married, you can at least be relieved that we do not have any extreme wedding practices. At least don’t have to look forward to being spit on, insulted by your new relatives, or having a backseat driver on your wedding night. Although a bride’s family does normally consider the groom’s financial status, he will not be required by custom to give them five bulldogs and a set of plastic lawn furniture.
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