What you Need to Know Before You Marry from Zambia – Marriage Traditions
Zambia’s marriage rituals are intriguing because of the many ways in which they are shaped by history, religion, and the modern world. This paper examines the traditions around marriage among the Bemba, Tonga, and Lozi peoples of Zambia.
The biggest ethnic group in Zambia is the Bemba, and their marital culture is distinguished by the practice of “lobola,” or bride payment. As a token of their gratitude and respect, the groom’s family traditionally presents the bride’s family with a monetary or material gift in Bemba weddings. To show their appreciation for the bride’s daughter joining the groom’s family, the bride’s family receives money at the wedding. As soon as the lobola is paid, the couple is legally married and may start their new life together.
The Tonga, a tribe largely found in Zambia’s southern region, take a unique stance on the institution of matrimony. Marriage is highly valued in Tonga society because it is considered as a means of cementing social bonds within and between clans. The relatives of the bride and groom typically set up the wedding, leaving the happy couple little to no say in the issue. When a marriage is arranged, however, the couple is expected to work together for the good of their family.
Marriage customs among the Lozi people of western Zambia are strongly influenced by their indigenous religion. Lozi people see marriage to be a holy union in which the spouses must commit to one another for the rest of their lives. Further, marriages among the Lozi are typically enormous, extravagant celebrations attended by the entire village because of the significance placed on family and community.
Although the Bemba, Tonga, and Lozi marriage customs differ in several ways, they also have many commonalities. The importance of family and community is emphasized highly by all three groups, and weddings are viewed as significant social gatherings. Traditional practices and rituals in all three communities also serve to strengthen and sustain the union between spouses.
In sum, there are many forces at play in shaping Zambian marriage customs, making this an intricate and diverse issue. The Bemba, Tonga, and Lozi all have their own traditions and rituals, but they all also have a lot in common when it comes to the sanctity of marriage, the value of family, and the importance of community. By learning about the parallels and distinctions between different cultures, we may better appreciate the many facets of Zambian history.