Burundi a small East African country, traditionally permitted Polygamy and the practice still continues today even though both civil law and Christian churches forbid it. It’s still common practice for the parents of a young man to meet the potential bride’s parents and discuss the dowry, which is paid by the groom’s family. Traditionally the dowry came in the form of cattle and goats, these days money is exchanged as well.
Traditionally in Botswana most groups permitted polygyny, which is the practice of having more than one wife. A girl’s first marriage would be arranged by her family. Tswana marriages are broken up into a number of stages which the couple needs to pass through, before they can be classified as truly married. The process can last a couple of years.
Benin a small West African country takes their wedding traditions very seriously. Christians and Muslims mix their respective customs with local wedding traditions. Older women from the bride’s family preside over the ceremony at which they accept presents from the groom and they officially agree to the marriage. Due to the high cost of ceremonies many weddings are put on hold for many months or years, in that time couples are allowed to live together.
In a nice touch that promotes unity the bride and groom walk to their wedding accompanied by their parents. Following the exchange of vows the couple and their parents share wine, which is another symbol of unity. An elder than blesses the marriage by giving a small speech and toast, which he pours wine onto the ground as an offering to family ancestors for their blessings.
To cast away bad habits that may sour the new marriage seven broomsticks are burnt. Next, in a symbol of peace the bride washes the groom’s feet with water from an earthen jug called a Kendi. Following the washing the bride breaks the Kendi and enters her new home demonstrating her obedience to her new husband. She then eats a rice dish with her parents, which represents her final meal as their daughter. Lastly with the backdrop of music the groom enters the home, which the bride permits.
To help kick-start the newlywed’s new life together the bride’s and groom’s parents will transport fire from their homes to that of the couple’s. A new fire is then lit which symbolizes the joining of the two families.
The bride on her wedding day takes a ceremonial purification bath, which is followed by henna painting on her hands and feet. Following the exchange of vows, the bride claims her status as mistress of her new home by walking around the outside of her home three times.
