African Marriage Rites Essay - 516 Words

African Marriage Rites The African marriage rites are very important to the African peoples. The marriage rites are followed strictly and are very traditional. Marriage is the beginning of new life and when two people become one. In African Traditional Religion, marriage is a cherished fecundity and is intended for procreation. Marriage involves not only interpersonal relations but also intercommunity relations. The survival of kinship in the social structure depends on marriage; marriage always establishes very strong bonds between the individuals belonging to different families and clans, especially when children are born. When a community seeks out a wife or a son-in-law, they look for one that lives up to their†¦show more content†¦The purpose of marriage is the social reproduction of the kinship group. The entire community, including living and deceased, are involved in the marriage process. There are certain rituals and taboos that must be observed in regard to marriage. Respect of in-laws and the observance of distance between in-laws, just to name a few. Prayers and sacrifices are offered to the ancestors on behalf of the groom and the bride. Fertility and healthy deliveries are prayed for. A marriage ceremony takes place over a certain period of time. Marriage in African Traditional Religions isn’t simply saying a few words. Marriage is a step by step process taken on by the entire community. Several ceremonies and rituals are preformed over time and at different locations. The stages of marriage differ from community to community but there are basic stages. First, friendship exists between the groom and the bride. Second, courtship is done but in some communities isn’t needed. Lastly, bride wealth is giving to the bride’s family. It is a means of providing privileges to children at their mother’s home of origin. Without a bride wealth, no man can claim any child as his. Dowry is also given to help the families of the couple getting married because the families loose both of their contributions to their families. There are different forms of marriage. Monogamy is a form of marriage, which means a man stays devoted to one woman but this isShow MoreRelatedEssay On Rites Of Passage1505 Words   |  7 PagesRites of Passage are â€Å"rituals that mark a person passage from one identity to the next† (Robins, Cummings and McGarry 2016, 61). Marriage is the 15th and most important rite of passage in a Hindu’s life (Holme and Bowker 1994, 72). This rite of passage is known as â€Å"vivaha† and the rituals conducted during the ceremony vary from each region in India. â€Å"Satpadi† translates to â€Å"Seven Steps† and is the final ritual of the â€Å"vivaha†. This occurs during the marriage ceremony of one s life where the brideRead MoreRites Of Passage, Right Or Wrong1720 Words   |  7 PagesRites of Passage, â€Å"Right or Wrong†? 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