The different forms of marriage included musengabere, kuzvarira, kutema ugariri, kuganha, kutizisa or kutizira, chimutsamapfiwa, kugara or kugarwa nhaka, matengana gudo and kukumbira, among others. All Rights Reserved. The Igbos wedding traditions might be different from the United States wedding traditions, but some of their traditions should take and put them into our wedding traditions., Marriage is a personal accomplishment for me. - The more wives a man has, the more political alliances he makes. Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. When a woman gets married the entire community rejoices with It is observed that the failure of Kofi Ako and Anowa's marriage was as a result of disobedience to good counsel of parents and elders of the community. Ochieng, E. (2019). The wedding tradition came along with colonization and the inception of Christianity in Africa. You can download the paper by clicking the button above. As a matter of fact, before any Church wedding commences in African or of African descent the clergy would ascertain that traditional rites had been fulfilled. Fertility, marriage and economic change in Northwest Namibia, An Exploration of Polygamous Marriages: A Worldview, Sexism: A Hermeneutical Interrogation of Galatians 3: 28 and Women in the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe, Religions and the Responsibility of Men in relation to gender-based violence: An Ethical Plea, Understanding Religion in Traditional Africa, Masculinity, Marriage and the Bible: New Pentecostalist Masculinities in Zimbabwe, THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH TOWARDS AMELIORATION OF SOCIO-CULTURAL PRACTICES INIMICAL TO WOMEN LIBERATION IN IGBOLAND, The struggle for marriage: elite and non-elite weddings in rural Namibia, Gender Roles and Recruitment in Southern African Churches, 1996-2001, E-JOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS AND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES, The Christology of Polygamy and the Marriage Covenant. 3. In the traditional African society, older people were highly esteemed because of the important roles they played by helping to integrate the society, preserve its cultural values, transmit knowledge and skills, settle disputes and educate the young. These enquiries are crucial because the couple entering into marriage each represents its family in the relationship. Marriage in South Africa exists in a number of different forms, as a result of the diversity of religions and cultures in the country. This author is in no way against wedding for its a Church practice. I was sadly mistaken with what I thought of this world when the topic of marriage was expressed., MARRIAGE IN TRADITIONAL AFRICAN SOCIETY AND ITS RELEVANCE. Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer. 3. I would like to mention just a few, which in my opinion are relevant to this topic. It argues that not only does gender based violence risk the health and wellbeing of the married couple, children and the society, but also its continuous 'coexistence' with marriage threatens the realization of the essential properties of marriage (unity and indissolubility). This means that GBV is not exclusive to any gender. The purpose of this research is to show that until and unless there is a paradigm shift on the beliefs, teachings and practices of apostolic sects in terms of a deeper HIV and AIDS awareness programmes targeting these sects, the Zimbabwean women will continue to suffer. This article analyzes gender perspectives at two secondary schools in Nsukka, Nigeria. contemporary society but maintain that these values be critically assessed, and those found to be inimical to the well-being and holistic development of the society, be discarded. Its no surprised therefore that wedding is usually conducted after the couple had performed their traditional rites. Marriage in African Traditional Society UK Essays This is neither biblical nor African custom but an aftermath of religion, colonization and perhaps misapplication of the scripture. In traditional African society, marriage between close relatives is not allowed. Whether the bride and groom fall in love or someone makes the match, meeting involves Most couples these days appear in wedding gowns and suits rather than put on our rich traditional costumes. Explain how people in the Traditional African Community prevented calamities from befalling them. It gives women in customary law marriages the same status and protection as women in civil . When she dies, there will be nobody of her own immediate blood to remember Family, Gender Roles, and Marriage in the Ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman World, BiAS Series, Joachim Kuegler, Rosinah Gabaitse, Blessing Nyahuma, Mark S Aidoo, Mavis Muguti, Menard Musendekwa, daniel nii aboagye aryeh, PhD, Kudzai Biri, Francis Machingura, Josiah Ucheawaji, Journal of Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions (NASR), Making Tradition: A Historical Perspective on Gender in Namibia, Putting them in their place:respectable and unrespectable women in Zimbabwean gender struggles, VIOLATION AND ABUSE OF WOMENS HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE CUSTOMARY PRACTICE OF KUZVARIRA" AMONG THE NDAU PEOPLE OF MOZAMBIQUE, ALook AT THE STRUGGLE OF ZIMBABWEAN MARRIED WOMEN REGARDING SAFE SEX, Sex Work as a test case for African feminism, Harmonise Zimbabwe's marriage laws before changing marriage certificates, 'Let them come to me!' All they need is marriage blessings. It is found that there are many differences between the two of these cultures. It is trite to note that even where regulations exist to excuse or better still legalise this form of marriage, it is still not acceptable in major cultures and civilisation across the world and particularly in many African countries like Malawi, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Nigeria. They shall witness, bless and rejoice for Gods fulfillment, support and encourage them as they pass through new experiences of starting life together. You can download the paper by clicking the button above. Some slaves tried to continue practices, such as polygamy, that were a part of traditional African cultures but were unsuccessful. with some recent contrasting work on African Americans. Hopefully by representing marriages to God, there would be a fresh touch of God on relationships and the Holy Spirit shall put together the pieces, making them whole. At the beginning of the wedding, the bride walks around, selling boiled eggs to her guests to prove that shes able to make money. In some communities, the dead are buried with their belonging e.g. Today, the assumption is that all people, men and women, understand the urgent need to openly discuss and negotiate the need for safe sex, whichever way necessary, for the preservation of life and the integrity of families. Society has moved on; the traditional idea of marriage is outdated. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if they object, by virtue of beings parents, they must be duly and respectfully informed. The cultural values form a moral code, which regulates the community. Once she finds him, he takes a few sips of the wine, and they are married. The enquiries are very important as to ascertain the suitability of the relationship. The following discussion of cohabitation and mar-riage reflects some of the biases in the literature . Marriage in Traditional African Society and Its Televance. The gospel of John in its second chapter records a marriage ceremony in the town of Cana in Galilee. After the traditional marriage ceremony, they went for Court Registry ceremony and ended up in Church wedding. It is also a legal way of ending marriage (Macmillan School Dictionary, 2011). But our citizenship is in heaven. Isukha Traditional Marriage Processes and Rituals in Pre-Colonial Kenya. African and Chinese cultures both have very intriguing ways of how they proceed with their ceremony. It is an end or goal and its desirability can be taken for granted unconsciously. (1977: 113) Marriage in the traditional patriarchal society of Africa is performed with great importance and dignity. These values are best explained in African traditional marriages, family, clan, individual gifts and names, talents, cultural practices, arts and sculptures, dress, music and dance, folk stories amongst other traits peculiar to the African society. This appears a misconception. Even though seminars, programmes, conferences, electronic and print media have made people aware of HIV and AIDS, the cultural barriers supported by traditional African religions and Christian religious beliefs have taken women hostage, making them vulnerable to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), HIV and AIDS. It is indeed the Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. Kavulavu, L & Mukhwana, D. (2021). African wedding traditions are about as varied and diverse as the countries and tribes that make up the continent. The Role of Folk Music in Traditional African Society: The Igbo Experience 306 marriage rites, post natal ceremonies and other domestic duties. The family of the bride and groom are deeply influential in traditional Shona marriages and are involved through the life cycle of a union. Sodi et al. When Americans think wedding, they think big, white dresses, tiered cakes, being surrounded by family and friends, dancing, and of course the big kiss at the end of the ceremony to seal the deal. From tying the knot to jumping the broom, the traditions incorporated in African American weddings are often a mix of customs borrowed . In an African customary marriage, there is an arrangement between families where lobolo (bride wealth) was seen as a token of gratitude for the upbringing of the daughter, as well as a step to. Thank goodness Government has approved some Churches as marriage centers. Anyone can have a wedding but only God can create a marriage. What is new is the reaffirmation of marriage vows during marriage anniversaries. According to Mbiti (1969 . In the extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents played important roles. In this vein, traditional sex laws are relatively relevance in all African society to avoid a breach of good . Central to these customs is the institution of roora, the payment of bridewealth. Marriage is sacred in Africa and beyond; because it solidifies relationships that enrich communities and nations by bringing forth new life and new hope. Cambridge African Film Festival. The focus is on the collective more than the individual. If It's Your Money, I Will Pay and Go: Shifting and Contested Significance of Brideprice Payment among the Dagaaba of Northwest Ghana. 19, 1: 23-40. Marriage has, despite demographic and political shifts, significant value for the individual, families and the society (Nock, 2005). of marriage and divorce in contemporary Igbo society. If she says yes, they go to the brides compound where the groom meets with the father and explains why he is there. However, they were successful in continuing the traditional African emphasis on the extended family. In this setting the families and relations of both couples gather in the brides family compound to celebrate their daughter and son entering into a marriage covenant and institution. Copyright 2023 - Weefree Ministries. ."); Talking Points on Traditional Marriage, CONCERNED WOMEN The union of marriage is so strong that two become one flesh. Religion informs everything in traditional African society, including political art, marriage, health, diet, dress, economics, and death. Helping another person experiencing psychosocial or emotional distress and mentoring someone to achieve a life goal can be one of the most enabling human services. 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. 4. New York: World Youth Alliance Press, 2018, Beyond the Quest for Historical Jesus in African Christianity: Albert Nolan, Jacques Dupuis and the Universality of Christ's saving work, Marriage and Meaningful Existence: A Philosophic Response to the Polemics on Marriage, RELIGION, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY VALUES IN AFRICA: ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS, The Challenge of Infertility to the Christian Marriage in Some African Societies: A Plea for an Ethical Response In The Light Of Donum Vitae, Religion Mariage and Family Values in Africa, Lessons from Scripture for Maasai Christianity, Lessons from Maasai Culture for the Global Church, UNDERSTANDING SAME SEX MARRIAGE AND ITS ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS ON AFRICAN VALUE SYSTEM: A CRITICAL STUDY OF THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY, Promoting Chastity in Marriage through Marital Counseling In The Light Of Amoris Laetitia, The Blame of Infertility in Families amongst the Ikwerre People of Rivers State, Wife Battery: A Divine Command from the Garden of Eden or a Gene Disorder in Men? A man in South Africa may have more than one spouse but a South African woman may only have one spouse. Africa culture is all about the ethnic groups family traditions, the literature, art and music shows the religion along with the social paths of their culture. Berlin: Pp. RITES OF PASSAGE AFRICAN TRADITIONAL REGION 1Dr. They also include a description of her familys background, education, hobbies, accomplishments and interests. Rather than seeing marriage as the only possible option, we should embrace the various sorts of human relationships (e.g. THE PLACE OF TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE IN AFRICAN CULTURE, Marriage not wedding was the real miracle. The paper takes cognizance of the fact that men and women are both perpetrators and victims of gender based violence. They tend to forget the traditional teachings for the marriage, or think they are Alternation - Interdisciplinary Journal for the Study of the Arts and Humanities in Southern Africa, Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences, A Study of Rural Women Participation in Education for Development in Kaduna State of Nigeria, 1. Traditional African Society. The Development of Cultural Unity In sub-Saharan Africa no overarching great tradition developed Sub-Saharan Africa is a vast territory of many small traditions. Historians know very little about the prehistory of these many small traditions and their peoples African cultures are highly diverse There is an estimated 2000 In African tradition, marriage was done after someone had gone through the adolescent stage where different History Of Marriage Customs In Africa The groom does not propose to the bride, but the family comes with him to give the idea of him marrying the bride (Widjaja). Once the wedding day comes, it is usually held at the brides compound. Feminist philosophers have seen marriage as playing a crucial role in women's oppression and thus a central topic of justice. Are made up of smaller units called clan. African Wedding Traditions Bringing the An old African proverb says, A man without a wife is like a vase without flowers. A community has distinct beliefs, customs and cultural practices. Efundula: Wo men's Initiation, Gender and Sexual Identities in Colonial and Post-Colonial Northern Namibia, Obstacles in the Way of Love: The Enslavement of Intimacy in Samuel Crowther and Ama Ata Aidoo, Optimal pipeline connection for the west african gas pipeline network, Towards an African Atlantic: Ama Ata Aidoo's diasporic theater. Woman-to-woman marriage involves the following persons: 1) the female husband . A reset link couple had performed their traditional rites demographic and political shifts, significant value for the,. In all African society to avoid a breach of good individual, families and society! Territory of many small traditions many small traditions South African woman may only have one spouse, L Mukhwana. With their belonging e.g were successful in continuing the traditional African society: Igbo. Gender based violence some of the biases in the relationship the only possible option, we should embrace various! 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