Get to know this before you Marry from the Ndebele in Zimbabwe

The Ndebele people of Zimbabwe have developed a complex and fascinating marital custom over many centuries. Parents would often set up a marriage between their children, with the bride price being paid by the groom’s family to the bride’s. Depending on the wealth of the bride’s family, the bride price may be as high as ten head of cattle.

The nuptials might proceed after the bride fee was given. Gifts would be exchanged between the two families, and a cow or goat would be sacrificed to supply meat for the reception. The couple would then exchange wedding vows and become legally married.

The woman would join her husband’s family and live with them after the wedding. She would have responsibilities in the kitchen, the bathroom, and with the couple’s future children.

Although some Ndebele today choose for love marriages or weddings outside of their culture, the vast majority continue to follow traditional marriage rites. In general, the customs surrounding Ndebele marriage are an interesting and significant facet of Zimbabwean heritage.