Africa is a home of cultural heritage with diversity in tradition and mythology. It’s an event that celebrates a man and woman who have agreed to come together as husband and wife. A traditional wedding is a celebration of union and togetherness. In many parts of Africa, the “Bride Price” validates a traditional marriage, and without this church, weddings may not be permitted. In Africa, a traditional wedding is the most respected and validated form of marriage, because of the customs attached to it. African ladies look forth a day when a man would come and pay a token (Bride Price) to their family.
Hence Parents train their daughters to be modest so that a man can pick them for marriage when they come of age. While sons are trained to be hardworking and industrious such that they can be responsible and ready to take care of a home. African Traditional weddings are always so colorful and elaborate such that you would love to be married. The wedding celebrations vary from Ethnic groups to Nations according to their customs and traditions, which make it honorable. However, it is important to note that the custom of a wedding in Africa is only one of the numerous customs. Some African traditional wedding customs have been modernized or no longer practiced, but they are intriguing such as
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Breaking Of Kola Nut During A Traditional Wedding
Kola is symbolic of the African tradition in a gathering of men and women celebrating an occasion. This custom is widely practiced in Nigeria, especially among the Igbo tribe. During a traditional wedding, a kola nut is broken and shared between the bride and groom’s family as a symbol of willingness. The couple shares a portion of the kola during the ceremony. The couple can either consume the entire portion of kola nut or keep a party to be displayed in their home after the ceremony. This Kola nut symbolizes that the couples agree to keep/protect their home by working out any marital problem.
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Knocking On The Door Before A Traditional Wedding
The Ghanaian wedding tradition fully illustrates knocking on the Door. This custom demands that a groom comes bearing gifts in the company of his family to the family of his bride to be. During this visit called “knocking on the door,” the groom requests permission to marry the bride from her family in the presence of his family members. And it is only when the knock on the door by the groom is accepted that celebrations and wedding planning can begin. In Africa, receiving the permission and blessing of both families is emphasized because it is our culture that signifies unity. And Marriage is considered as the joining of two families during and after the wedding ceremony of the bride and groom.
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Jumping Over A Broom
This tradition originated in the era of the slave trade when Africans were forbidden to marry and live together. They had to device a means of showing and validating commitments between a man and a woman. So jumping over a broom was used to formally and publicly declare a couple’s commitment. The broom symbolizes that the past problems of the pairs have been swept away. The broom is usually handmade and decorated beautifully for the wedding event, which the couple could display in their homes after the wedding ceremony. According to an article on food.jumia.com
conclusion
Traditional weddings in Africa comes with colors and laughter. Gorgeous attires are sewn by families, bride and groom, and well-wishers. Although the bride always looks more colorful, attention is given to her looks and attire. Because she is prepared as a gift to her groom. Expensive gift items are brought to the bride’s family by the groom as tradition demands as a way of appreciating the bride’s family. During the ceremony, there is always music and dancers to grace the occasion with different cultural dance groups. There is always an abundance of local drinks like palm-wine, varieties of food, and gifts to entertain the guests. And family friends and well-wishers who have come to celebrate with the couple come with gifts for the couple. Prayers are made, and the bride is escorted to her new him with gifts by family and friends.
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