African Rituals for Relationships

• African courtship and engagement begin with complex pre-wedding rituals that involve both families. To show his interest in a potential life partner, an African man brings gifts of gold, jewelry, bead necklaces, or clothing to his intended bride. His courtship might also include gifts of beer, palm wine, or even livestock, for the whole family to enjoy
• Marriage in African traditions is a union between two families, not just two individuals

  . Engagement ceremonies, which are often also dowry payment ceremonies, bring together the whole family and allow each side to get to know each other. Advice is given to the bride by older family members, and this part of the ceremony is very emotional

• Respecting elders and honoring ancestors is a large part of many African cultures. Therefore, a libation ceremony often takes place in major African events, including weddings

  . In many African traditional weddings, an elder is invited to pour a libation to honor ancestors and ask for their blessings

• The various marriage ceremonies performed in Africa begin with the initial introduction between the groom and bride

  . In African culture, marriage is considered to be the joining of not only the couple but also two families

  . Much importance is placed upon the gaining of permission and blessings from the family before the wedding

• In some African cultures, such as the Maasai tribe in Kenya and Tanzania, elders arrange the marriage ceremony without the bride or her mother’s knowledge. After paying the dowry to the bride’s family, the mother is given a bull as a gift signifying the departure of one of her children into a new home

It is important to note that African rituals for relationships are diverse and should be respected as such.