advantages of traditional marriage in africa

This is why you are likely to find similarities in . After the lobola, the South African bride and groom will have a wedding ceremony which normally takes three days and starts on a Friday. The bride and groom also don royal garments including embroidered capes, robes, and jewelry. “It’s simple – make sure that your assets are protected” says Cronje. With a rich and diverse culture African culture is known to change from county to county, many cultures along with traditions are found in Africa which makes Africa diverse, unique and mesmerizing in many ways to the world. Sawyer believes that many Millennials are hesitant to marry due to the threat of divorce. Yes, she has children – five in fact – who were fathered by different men and who bear her dead husband’s name.” Stanely Kimanga. The bride is supposed to taste the drink first, before, This practice is especially popular in West Africa regions and involves a ceremonial uniform cloth known as, Although the fabric is the same, women usually, You’ve likely heard the saying that marriage is not a bed of roses? Dundas, C. (1913), History of Kitui, Journal of Royal Anthropological Institute, Vol 43 pp480-549. Worldmark Encyclopedia of Religious Practices: Religions and denominations. A traditional marriage ceremony includes the presentment of dowry to the bride's family. Property Law Tradition dictates that family elders arrange the marriages of their dependents. Make sure to take advantage of our planning tips, in case you are to add one of the above to your celebration. The usual attire for the big day is the traditional Habesha Cloth. That delegation brings over the last of the new bride’s housewares, along with the soup, which is shared with the in-laws. On Sunday, the bride is taken to her new home where the traditional wedding (Umabo) takes place. Makwande kuwe Ndlovu . From dancing camels in Niger to dance-offs in South Africa and henna ceremonies in Kenya and Tanzania, African wedding traditions come in various shapes and forms. In. The variety of materials, designs, combinations and shaded involved to make the ceremony a success will astonish you. Africa: Journal of the International African Institute, 24(2), 149-156. https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/africa-population/, "Traditional marriage in Igboland: The original cultural way", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Marriage_customs_in_Africa&oldid=1103641192, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 10 August 2022, at 11:44. In Burkina Faso, the Moaga tribe calls it “Poug PousSôm” or PPS for short. Marriage is sacred in Africa and beyond; because it solidifies relationships that enrich communities and nations by bringing forth new life and new hope. There is a growing trend among African communities where wedding ceremonies and marriage processes are blending traditional customs with modern practices. 275-293). Even if daughters remained at home and produced children, they were not perceived as continuing the lineage of their maternal grandfather because kinship in the Akamba community was patrilineal and the children of daughters would not belong to the same clan as their grandfather. This she knows because when she was being married, her mother in-law, Muthoni – who died in 1992 – told her that she was being married to bear children for Muthoni’s son, Muthiani, who died in early childhood. This ceremony is usually accompanied by songs and prayers for the newlyweds. In order to understand the importance of ancestors one must realize that in the African view, death is not thought to end human relationships. Thank you for helping us share and record the significance of who we are. - It acted as a marriage security to a husband e.g death of one of the women. This can be in the form of money or animals, cereals, kitchen utensils or clothes. Share this: Loading. At funerals, men and women are separated. In the same vein, pre-marital sex was permitted for both boys and girls to prepare them adequately for their conjugal responsibilities in marriage. In each of these situations, African women are able to manipulate the existing system through woman-to-woman marriage in order to achieve higher social and economic status. Cadigan, R. Jean (1998), Woman-to-woman marriage: practices and benefits in Sub-Saharan Africa. They are taught from a young age that marriage is about responsibility and providing to their society by having children. In traditional thinking, ancestors are an essential link in a hierarchical chain of powers stretching from this world to the spirit world. the traditional monarch of the Zulu people, who account for about one-fifth of the country . Energy & Environmental Law Some academics believe bridewealth leads to marriage stability, as the bride's family will put pressure on the daughter to remain in the marriage if the payment made was of significant value. Its meat is used to make soup. Christian teachings prohibit marriage and sexual activities between same genders but encourage people to take good care of each other. Tax The results show a dramatic shift away from traditional beliefs within African communities, with young people holding more progressive attitudes towards relationships and marriage. Marriage makes us happier. . They then announce their intentions, and discuss the prospects of joining the two families through marriage. It is common practice in Africa to combine practices of major religions with local religious traditions. This plays a vital role in the marriage process. Finally, a sweet spoonful of honey to show the joy in marriage. When it comes to weddings especially, Africans tend to go all out to ensure the day is memorable. Likewise, it is meant to bring good luck and financial success in their lives. However, woman to woman marriages of Ukambbani are not same with lesbianism. (Other notable conditions - which fall outside the scope of this article - include that the marriage was formed in the physical . Solanke, S., Ayodabo, S. (2017). The price often was determined by the brides' family stature, however, the groom was welcome to give more if he willed. Social life is patterned around a strong clan and extended family ties. 1 Answer. In Armenia, money is sprayed on the couple during their first dance, in a ritual called “Shabash“. Never refusing food Her father takes her to her new family home and on arrival, she walks around the house to be introduced to her husband’s ancestors. Partners must specify properties they do not want to include in the agreement. Construction & Engineering Law But the most remarkable part of the traditional marriages is the colors and richness of the couple’s outfits exhibited during the ceremony. Share with us what is your favourite factor of African Traditional Marriages ? A new name is given to the bride by the new family. The bride will leave her home early in the morning, covered in a blanket. Constitutional Law & Civil Rights [8] In contrast to this practice, other African communities such as many Moroccan ethnic groups participate in a marital custom known as “dowry”. , brides from the Mossi (or Moagha) ethnic group are given a drink by their younger cousins. It teaches you compassion. In the photo, please see an example of a traditional proposal letter, made by the traditional wedding planners at. Bridewealth is when a groom's family pays the bride's family in traditional forms such as livestock, food and clothing to confirm the marriage. Personal Injury Law Penwill, pp. ✌ The main part of an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church wedding ceremony is the Crowning of the couple. 339-361, Posel, D., & Rudwick, S. (2014). Civil marriages. Court weddings are less stressful. Therefore, a libation ceremony often takes place in major African events, including weddings. The traditional wedding ceremony ends with the breaking of the kola nut. [9] This standpoint is particularly polarizing and has not been backed up by scientific data. Specifically, as Figure 6 indicates, the share of married men and women ages 18-55 saying their marriage is in trouble declined from 40% in 2019 to 29% in 2020. The bride’s family then replies to the letter by either confirming the set date or changing it to a date that they are more comfortable with. Indeed, at that time, they could not legally wed. Health and Marriage. The wedding attire worn during these ceremonies depends heavily on the ethnic group being examined. Blogger @reunissouslebaobab gives us a perfect demo in the image above, at her own wedding. The Akamba in British East Africa, 2nd Edition, New York: Negro University Press. Ambunda and de Klerk point out the continuing tension between the concept of human rights and the "patriarchal traditional African values that underpin customary law" (2008, 48). Makwande namaSiko Esintu... My favourite part of our marriages is that we marry the same person more than once. The Jewish practice is akin to African traditional marriage rites. It comes with its trials and tribulations, that only the resilient can survive. Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, African Union Goodwill Ambassador on Ending Child Marriage recognizes the immense potential that traditional leaders have, in changing norms, passing laws and facilitating access to services within communities, and adds that empowering girls must be at the heart of all these efforts: "Girls need to be economically . Love, economic status, religious beliefs, and social acceptance are just a few reasons individuals marry across differing cultures. From dancing camels in Niger to dance-offs in South Africa and henna ceremonies in Kenya and Tanzania, African wedding traditions come in various shapes and forms. If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help! Woman-to-woman marriage involves the following persons: 1) the female husband On that day, the groom’s family goes to the bride’s family house. Androgynous couples do better because they can identify with each other. Outcome. The image above is a snapshot of Prince Yoel of Ethiopia and philanthropist Ariana Austin on their wedding day. Key Takeaways Marriage may benefit from applying economic principles that help make traditional businesses successful. Courtships and marriages in those days was mostly full of drama, fun, survival of the fittest over the weak, physical combat like Duel, the use of intelligence and tricks etc Among the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe, the formal and most acceptable method of asking for a lady's hand in marriage is called Kukumbira. The letter must clearly state their intention. Our academic experts are ready and waiting to assist with any writing project you may have. The ceremonial crowns are made out of semi precious stones and metals, and threads of gold and crimson. Yet, besides a total lack of discussion in the popular media, what is typically called woman-woman marriage is the subject of a very small body of academic literature. The families want their son or daughter to have a successful and happy marriage. Competition & Antitrust Law Family Law In some. Bearing children to make life complete and meaningful. In Niger, the Hausa and Tuaregs communities also apply henna to symbolize purity and fertility. Intellectual Property Law It could not be a wedding because wedding was not a Jewish Custom and tradition. “Mulewa Muthiani goes about her business just like any other widowed woman in her village in Ukambani. The study also revealed that 73% of young people surveyed believe that polygamy is an outdated process. . Registered office: Creative Tower, Fujairah, PO Box 4422, UAE. Divorce procedure in community of property in South Africa 2022. See also: Forms of marriage in South Africa, Chantel Cronje is a Senior Legal Advisor and the Manager of the Debt Solutions Department at Legal & Tax Services. Fewer said having their relationship recognized in a religious ceremony (30%), financial stability (28%) or legal rights and benefits (23% . The World Book encyclopedia. Once they are let in, they present gifts such as wine for libation, money, and kola nuts to the bride’s family. To obtain a full understanding of the topic, it is important to examine the motivations not only of the wife, but also those of the wife’s lover(s) and the husband (if any) of the female husband. In the final analysis what this system did was to reduce exceedingly the number of divorce cases. Beating the suitor. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of UKEssays.com. Another advantage is that African fathers gain sons from their daughters which may increase the families' wealth. There's a negotiation celebration. Health & Pharmaceutical Law About nine-in-ten Americans (88%) cited love as a very important reason to get married, ahead of making a lifelong commitment (81%) and companionship (76%), according to a 2013 Pew Research Center survey. Technology Law Despite this, there are also many similarities between African weddings and the customs that surround them. It was also a way for the groom to demonstrate that he was a good provider, who would take good care of the bride.The ceremony differs slightly from country to country. Contemporary Marriage Processes in Nigeria: Willing Love, Perilous Business, Post-Marriage Problems. [10] The results also show that 87% of students believe love is the most important factor of marriage, despite that in traditional Ghanaian culture, marriage and love share a relatively loose connection. Catholic African communities most commonly dress in western wedding attire (white dress for women and a suit for men) for the religious ceremony and will utilize their communities’ traditional attire for other phases of the marriage process. The women maintained a closely guarded culture of oppression in which men were excluded from all intellectual activities. If planning your wedding includes getting a wedding dress, we would love to, Everything You Need To Know For The Perfect Wedding Flower Arrangement. The Yoruba call this ‘Mo mi i mo e’ (know me and let me know you) while the Igbo call it ‘Ikutu aka n’ulo’ (Knock on the door). When two people have similar ways of thinking, they have an easier time communicating because they understand each other. Chantel Cronje is a Senior Legal Advisor and the Manager of the Debt Solutions Department at Legal & Tax Services. In the old days, animals were used, cows to be specific, this was for the groom to show gratitude to his bride's family for raising a wonderful woman, it was also to show the grooms ability to take care of his family. It must also detail the exact date when the lobola (bride price) negotiation will take place. Worldometers.info. On this day, the groom’s family goes to the bride’s family to offer the “negotiated” bride price. It is the money usually given to the bride's family by the man who intends to marry the lady. Penwill, D.J., (1951), Kamba Customary Law, London: Macmillan and Company. Ayie is the first of two stages of a traditional marriage ceremony of the Luo tribe of Kenya and Tanzania. Some African couples are opting to bypass the legal marriage status entirely and alternatively having irregular unions as a symbol of their love and connection. Poug PousSôm” or PPS for short. Such a girl was married to the name of the “dead unmarried man” and bore him children, usually by his brother (cf. She later enters the house through the kitchen before anyone notices her. In fact, no wedding ceremony is complete without people getting their groove on at the reception. Marriage is an accepted way for two people to show their commitment to each other. The World Book Encyclopedia states that 40% of Africans identify as Christian while 45% are Muslim.[2]. A 14-year-old girl holds her baby at her sister's home in a village in Kanduku, in Malawi's Mwanza district. This includes marriages performed in front of a registrar, bypassing the religious and traditional aspects of marriage entirely and instead opting for a simplified process which still provides the legal benefits of marriage. In Kenya, the Agikuyu community calls it “Ruracio”, while in South Africa the Zulus call it “Lobola”. - Many children provided abundant labour. Examples of this include the exchange of marital vows and modern wedding attire being worn by the bride and groom. Woman-to-woman marriage can also be beneficial to persons other than the female husband. 2. However, child marriage occurs in disproportionately high numbers in developing countries. African Bridewealth and Women's Status. [10] The study revealed that men were more likely to want a traditional marriage than women. Kimanga, S. (6 October 2004), The ghost wives of Ukambani, All Africa News, http://allafrica.com/stories/200410060072.html, Accessed 18th July 2010. Her daily duties include giving valuable legal advice and assistance... Read more about Chantel Cronje. The going rate for an educated wife in Kenya today could be as much as a Mitsubishi Pajero. A group of women going to deliver Matebeto to a would be husband. Whether you are curious about other nations’ heritage, or just want to incorporate some African customs in your nuptials, read on! A balance sheet should also be attached to the agreement. They then require money to return the items. Omari, T. (1960). She married in September 2013, but her husband chased her away. Side note- if this is a practice you are planning on adding to your wedding, make sure the shape of your dress will make it easy to jump the broom! Manchester University Press, 1969). Marriage In The African Culture 2022-10-28. Before the traditional wedding ceremony, the man’s family must first slaughter a cow to welcome the bride. Like most African wedding ceremonies, a South African wedding is vibrant with color, culture, music, and dancing. Her 15-year-old . They then recite prayers to the ancestral spirits, and calls out the names of those that have recently passed away. For some ethnic groups in Ghana, the name of this ritual is “knocking on the door” or ‘kokoo ko’. Bridewealth is seen as a form of “insurance” for the bride's family, as they know that if economic hardship entails they are able to rely on the groom's family to care of them. In Burkina Faso, the Moaga tribe calls it. They later give it to the newlyweds. (1978). 1 One of the most essential items normally required in most traditional marriages in Africa, is the Dowry. The wife may receive resources, adult status as a wife, and protection in return for her labor and obedience to her husband. It is through Christ that all that have died will rise again. The bridesmaids usually collect all of the thrown money. . Reflection on an African Traditional Marriage System. Respecting elders and honoring ancestors is a large part of many African cultures. There is also evidence that married people tend to keep regular doctors' appointments and follow doctors' recommendations more often than single people. The Evolution of Marriage. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. They watch each other dance and sing traditional songs. Without them, Africans are left without moral guidelines or motivation, and society is powerless to enforce ethics. They are symbolically “sweeping away” their former single lives and concerns. The continuation of the dead man’s lineage and that of his father was of prime importance. In many traditional African societies, marriage is considered a rite of passage that signifies the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The significance of marriage forming the foundation of a community is made obsolete if the couple were no longer a part of this community. “Living with your partner does not automatically give you the legal rights and protection of marriage,” says legal advisor Chantel Cronje from Legal&Tax. Mueni, E. (2010) Personal interview (0726 43-0331), Terry, M. (2010) Personal Interview (0721- 738524). It is also a basic show of flamboyance and affluence, and a symbol of a prosperous future for the bride and groom. Traditional tenets of African marriages are increasingly . The traditional beliefs of the Yoruba share some similarities with traditional Catholic marriages, such as the wife being expected to remain a virgin until she is married. Everyday consumer goods like kola nuts and dolo (millet beer), or services (fieldwork, repairing huts, etc) are also commonplace. The West African people of Ghana participate in marital customs that differ greatly from many other African countries. The bride is supposed to taste the drink first, before offering it to her husband on her knees. Middleton, p. 90). Among the Akamba it was and still is the wife’s duty to provide food for the family from the family cultivated land. This is done to show the groom and his family that they cannot “snatch”  their friend or sister so easily from the family. The British Journal of Sociology, 11(3), 197-210. doi:10.2307/586746. In African societies, the people see marriage as proof that a man is mature and is capable of taking care of the family he will build with his wife. If your specific country is not listed, please select the UK version of the site, as this is best suited to international visitors. Mulewa was therefore expected to bear children for her dead husband by sleeping with other men. Mutual promises must be specified in writing in the event of death. The dowry is going the way of many other important cultural practices in Africa —down the hill of eroding values. It often involves a lot of rituals such as bathing and putting perfume on the bride, hairdressing, and body decorations with henna. Likewise, a woman without a proper husband is referred to as a mukoma nthi, one who sleeps on the floor, a person of no fixed abode. Various African communities have different ways of performing the knocking ceremony. Side note: customs in Nigeria also include proposal letters. A husband may receive social status, sexual enhancement, increased labor, and the knowledge that his blood-line will continue, while giving up some sort of economic compensation to the family of the wife. This can be in the form of money or animals, cereals, kitchen utensils or clothes. Many African wedding ceremonies cannot move forward without this step. A man who engages in dubious marital relationships is a mutuany’a, a vagabond despised by everyone in the community. It helps in social bonding and even assists economically towards the community. In some African regions if the couple is residing abroad, the traditional marriage will still be accomplished even in their absence by the family members back home. P. 1. The bottom line is that both sexes, and particularly people who are less financially stable, are more reluctant to get married than they were a few decades ago. Due to the sheer size and diversity of Africa, wedding customs vary greatly not just between countries but between local communities. Her father takes her to her new family home and on arrival, she walks around the house to be introduced to her husband’s ancestors. The ‘ghost wife’ cultural practice also catered for male children who died in infancy. Shipping & Aviation Law  This is an opportunity for a woman to choose a man who could marry her. [10], Within Ghana, it is common for the maternal uncle to pay dowry. It’s important to know your rights and responsibilities before making crucial decisions. Riggs, T. (2006). In the meantime, at the bride’s father’s house, a sheep is killed. Older guests are usually the ones throwing the money (but anyone can participate) to show their happiness for the couple. [11] These irregular unions are performed when travelling back to their community was unrealistic or unachievable. Insolvency & Business Rescue We’ve rounded up several African wedding ceremonies and practices that you might find interesting. In Nigeria, like most African tribes, marriage is more than just the union of two individuals, it is the union of families and their ancestors. Lindblom, G., (1969.) To be cut off from relationships with one’s ancestors is to cease to be a whole person. (1953), The Central Tribes of the North-Eastern Bantu, London: International African Institute. Among the Akamba, a woman could be married to a man who was long dead and such a woman was called ‘Mulewa’ – ‘ghost wife.” Athough the ‘ghost wife’ never met her ‘husband’, she knew he once lived and continued to live as a spirit. [6], While this is not a custom of Islamic or Christian marriage, many Africans adopt the traditional practice into their communities creating a strong link between their primary religion and their traditional and cultural beliefs. pp. Marriage preparations begin as soon as she gives her approval. Any deviation from this proper relationship for sex (i.e., marriage), as well as its proper biological design (i.e., heterosexual), is a perversion of human sexuality; history demonstrates that . Throughout the continent, the diversity of systems reflects the traditions, religions, and economic circumstances of a wide variety of distinct cultures. In some capitals and large cities, the trend is toward a longer single life and a later age of first marriage.26 In Southern Africa the traditional practice of lobolo (or lobola) may be impacting marriage, as well. This practice is especially popular in West Africa regions and involves a ceremonial uniform cloth known as “Aso Ebi” in Yoruba. Per tradition, they bury those bones along the way. "Getting married is often perceived as a risk so Millennials tend to cohabitate and get financially stable before moving forward." Business Insider reported that fear is leading Millennials to marry later "as they take time to . A failure to pay maintenance can haunt you for up to 30 years, Shacking up? It is generally accompanied with a sauce (okra sauce is a favorite) and a soup. What we generally call Traditional Marriage in time past was just the mutual marriage and only structure of marriage recognizedt in Africa. Although the fabric is the same, women usually design their own style. From simple essay plans, through to full dissertations, you can guarantee we have a service perfectly matched to your needs. Everyday consumer goods like kola nuts and dolo (millet beer), or services (fieldwork, repairing huts, etc) are also commonplace. If partners have bought a property together, this must be included in the agreement. 3 subjected to stabilize amidst sporadic societal changes emanating from modernization and globalization. South Africa (2006) The South African parliament legalized same-sex marriage in November 2006, one year after the country's highest court ruled that the previous marriage laws violated the South African constitution's guarantee of equal rights. The wedding is an exceptionally respected tradition within Africa due to their deeply rooted appreciation for the notion of family. To view or add a comment, sign in, Great article brother, I would like to touch on the bride price or dowry issue that in the modern age is mistakenly taken for a Groom buying a wife which is absolute nonsense. Married people may take fewer risks, eat better, and maintain healthier lifestyles, on average, compared with single people. In recent years, modern life, industry, Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press. Do you have a 2:1 degree or higher? The ceremony differs slightly from country to country. In deed, even in worshiping Mulungu – the Akamba God, the men were excluded. This is evident throughout many locations within Africa, where Catholic and Islamic followers will participate in traditional customs as well as ones typical to their religion. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. Marriage ceremonies within Africa vary greatly between countries due to the diversity of culture and religion throughout the continent. The Survey of African Marriage and Family Life. Africa is rich in traditions and culture. This tradition is aimed to appease the ancestors and bless the bride and groom. They then swap them three times between the couple to seal the union. Cayenne is a hot element to show a way of bringing spice and passion to the relationship. The letter must clearly state their intention. In each country the traditional marriage is conducted in various ways but the basic of this ceremony is that the family of the groom will meet the family of the bride asking for her hand in marriage for their son. [5] The wedding will consist of more modern marital customs relevant to the religion of the participants families. Contents1 Is traditional marriage a […] A popular African wedding tradition especially in West Africa is to spray money on the bride while she dances during the wedding ceremony. Free resources to assist you with your university studies! Mining Law It’s not clear where this tradition originated from. An acceptance and gift giving celebration. It helps as a uniting link in life, past . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The advantages are that there is a partner there to share in all of life's ups and downs and that a family. In the photo, please see an example of a traditional proposal letter, made by the traditional wedding planners at Ilé Okó Yá. In an arranged marriage, the consent of both the bride and the groom is involved. 1 Traditionally, . Seating is largely available in a church which means that there is no need for you to pay extra. - Children acted as a source of security to the family. These forms of attire are worn to integrate traditional African dress with modernized religious weddings. Married men reported less depression and more overall happiness than single men. Population of Africa).

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