African Weddings

All over the world wedding are thought to be something sacred and special in the life of two individuals. And as unique as this ceremony of the wedding really is, the very traditions of every single continent in part are enjoy the same uniqueness. If anyone wondered what it’s like to get married and even be married in Africa, well we have something to say about some distinct traditions and customs therefrom. In Africa there is no such thing as a wedding planner, as long as the family is the one who takes care of everything.



Starting from the variety of religious groups we must remember that Africa is the most diversified continent in terms of cultural and religious beliefs. Therefore, wedding traditions should not come any less far away from these. The ancestors play a significant role in the lives of the youngest ones who represent the generations to come. Family is another similar segment that the Africans respect when it comes to marriage and commitment between the two husbands.

That’s the very essential point of the African wedding - joining two people into a sacred family. The process of bringing them together defines the wedding itself, that continues with the union and combining of several families or tribes. As we mentioned above, Africa is a very rich continent regarding the cultural area. Not less than one thousand tribes populate the African region, with as many habits for living and wedding as their own increasing number. Much of the wedding ceremonies are trying to keep the customs and beliefs of ancestors. But generally speaking, each cardinal point has its own religious influence.

For instance, in North Africa people follow a Muslim orientation, while the southern are more inclined towards Hindu, Christian and Jewish here and there. According to this, the "wedding planner " - meaning the family organize the whole thing in a very elaborated way, and in some cases the ceremony and the party can be very extensive and can last even a whole week. Beyond doubts, African weddings are very vital, especially in the matter of colors, flowers, music and dancing rituals.

As to the young ladies and their portion of knowledge and beliefs, from very early ages they are taught to become suitable, kind, fitting wives to their husbands. A tinny problem is that most of them are already “given” for marriage long before they were even born. The common age of marring is about 13-15 years old. According to local rumors, the wives use to learn some kind of a coded alphabet, which helps them to change secret information between them, without the understandings of the husbands.

In some regions along the Nile, the family of the women to be married receives some sort of payment from the future husband. In order to “win” the wedding, a man must pay her family about 40 heads of sheep or cattle. Though the Africans are not that wealthy as they wish, most of them can afford to ensure a modest life for their wives.