Having to pay the Bride cost: the African tradition of spending lobola

Having to pay the Bride cost: the African tradition of spending lobola

For years and years, the Nguni tribes of Southern Africa have actually practiced lobola — spending a bride cost to make sure a union between two tribes, much like the dowry’s of Western Civilization. With one exclusion — lobola is compensated in cows, and it is compensated towards the bride’s family members.

Historically, this enabled the 2 tribes become allied in wedding, ensuring help and security. In society, it brings the 2 families together, demonstrates that the groom can perform supporting their bride, and that the bride is respected by both families.

In contemporary Southern Africa, lobola continues to be practiced, and it is a proud tradition of South Africa’s black populace. The lobola negotiations may take months, and it is negotiated because of the bride and groom’s extended household. Often, the negotiators range from the couple’s uncles, but can have older brothers. Ladies are mostly side-lined, but can have advisory functions. The moms and dads are consulted, however in some families they’re not permitted to be a part of the real negotiations. (więcej…)