African weddings and traditions (Photos)

As a continent, African society is a mixture of culturally diverse traditions and rituals. While not the same, there are certain similarities that can be drawn between some of the African cultures regarding weddings.

As a whole, African weddings are known to be family affairs, and are often not only dependent on the relationship between the man and woman, but on family input and approval as well.

Marriages in Africa are strongly dictated by religious influences. Many Northern African marriages are decided by their Muslim faith, while other regions follow the traditions set by their ethnic religions, Christianity, Judaism or Hinduism.

Yet another similar tradition in many parts of Africa is the paying of a dowry prior to marriage. In South Africa, for instance, this is referred to as lobola and is a gift of cattle or money given to the father of the bride.

EGYPT

Egyptian weddings are often arranged. At the engagement part a groom-to-be gives his bride-to-be money known as Mahr. This money is used to buy jewellery called Shabka and furniture.

In Egypt women pinch the bride on her wedding day. It means good luck.

KENYA

At the wedding ceremony held by the Masai (Maasai) nation of Kenya the father of the bride blesses her by spitting on her head and breasts. Then she leaves with her husband.

Semi-nomadic Samburu nation lives in Kenya too. For the Samburu people presents prepared by groom (two goatskins, two copper earrings, a milk container, and a sheep) are especially important.

NIGER

Wodabee nation of Niger. Marriages called coogal "are arranged by parents during couple's infancy. There are also marriages as result of love. Such marriages are called teegal“.

Groom's family offers a price to the bride's family. If it is accepted the bride and groom are married. A bride lives with her husband until her pregnancy. Then she returns to her mother's home, where she will remain for the next three to four years.

SUDAN

In Sudanese Neur tribe the groom can get married if he pays for 20-40 herds of cattle. Wedding is complete when the wife gives birth to two kids. If the wife has only one child the husband can ask for divorce. He can also ask for the cattle or the baby.

If the husband dies, his brother must become new widow's husband. Any children from this relationship are treated as children of the deceased.

TANZANIA

Muslim weddings in Tanzania are usually organized on Sundays during Sawwal, which is the tenth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. Before the start of wedding every bride gets a Sumo. The Sumo is the best friend of bride's mother. Sumo accompanies the bride wherever she goes.

NIGERIA – Igbo

The Igbo (Ibo) people live in the southeast and south of Nigeria. At local weddings there is a tradition where an elder person gives an "ofo" to the couple. The ofo is a wooden stick which symbolizes unity, truth and indestructibility.

The wedding ceremony in Igbo communities includes something what is known as the "bride's train". It is consisted of the bride and her single female friends. These women enter the church dancing to the music. People throw money over them. This is seen as an act of blessing.

Banknotes are also important when the couple is dancing at the wedding reception. Guests wish them prosperous future by throwing banknotes around the couple or placing them on their foreheads.