Almost all African marriages are dowry or bride price, or "lobo" or "bohadi." The young man would not feel good if he had not obligated to provide "lobo" or "bohadi", the amount of money or property or the number of cows varies from one family to another and from one tribe to pay drugo.Mladić "lobo" according to the standards and status of the family or tribe. When the two negotiating teams have completed their work, which could include two to three visits depending on how it comes to a halt, the date of sealing an alliance or relationship between the two families will be arranged. Normally, since the bride family agreed to the ceremony, which was also combined with the ritual of receiving and accepting the potential groom's family and their sina.Ovca slaughtered and its blood is used as sealing material in the alliance and to confirm the relationship between the two families.
Traditionally, one does not pay a bride price or dowry, or "bohadi" or "lobo" in full because it would be interpreted to mean that his family is breaking ties with his wife, prospective families. In fact, the young man must be seen to be struggling to pay the rest, a concession would be for him to pay less than the amount originally required. He will pay 80 to 90% of "bohadi" or "lobo", and the rest will remain as a balance or dug.Mladić is not expected to pay this amount of money or cattle. He is eternally grateful for his family-in-law at two levels, (1) to receive the precious gift of a wife, and (2) to balance the "lobo" or "bohadi" that he does not have to pay.
It should be noted that the "lobo" or "bohadi" is not the price for the purchase of a woman, but a gift to other women family, and the test for a young man to make sure he is capable of providing for his family. Women are precious in the African culture, and are not for sale. In fact, women are encouraged to leave if they are constantly harassed, especially if both families have tried, but were not able to solve this sukob.Isto true for a young man. If a young woman misbehaves, and both families are not able to solve this problem, the young man was encouraged nor divorce, or (in some cases) to consider polygamy.
African Marriage ceremonies vary from one family to another and from one tribe to another. Marriage is a community event. Among the many traditional Africans, no invitations. For example, in Sesotho culture, a white flag or cloth flown over the bride's home as a sign to communicate two messages, namely, (1) the wedding in this house, and (2) the entire community is invited.
African marriage ceremony is conducted on one day, or two days or even several days - depending on the traditions of the family or tribe. The ceremonies vary from one family to another. There is a lot of preparation in terms of songs to sing, speak to, advising the bride and groom representatives from families, community elders, church, king or head of the territory, friends and neighbors. There is a lot of exchange of gifts between two families, gifts from community members for the newly married couple. Marriage brings two families into one.
I think that Africa has something to offer the world in terms of their marriage and family structure, especially in light of the fact that marriages are under attack and crumbling. Extended families are critical in ensuring stability and support marriages. Uncles and aunts, grandparents and relatives should play a key role in forming the support for the newly married couple. This will ensure a healthy family, tribe, or a healthy society and healthy nacije.Wellness and family health are critical in providing a healthy nation, and producing a peaceful society.
As in many cultural groups, African marriages are not perfect and still need to learn from other cultural groups, but Africa has a unique contribution to the world in support of marriage and family structure, and the concept and practice of "Ubuntu".
