WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MARRIAGE CULTURE OF THE MAJOR ETHNIC GROUPS IN SOUTH AFRICA

There are many different ethnic groups in South Africa, and they all have their own traditions and customs when it comes to marriage. The Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, and Ndebele are only a few of South Africa’s many indigenous peoples.

Marriage in Zulu culture is viewed as a holy bond between two families, not just two people. Lobola, also known as a bride price, is a traditional gift from the groom’s family to the bride’s family. The bride’s family will put the money into the couple’s future. Traditional Zulu clothing and dance bring a sense of celebration to the wedding ceremony.

Family and community are highly valued in Xhosa marriage traditions. Umgidi, a “coming of age ceremony,” and umembeso, a “gift-giving ceremony,” are only two of the many rites and ceremonies that must be completed before a couple may get married. Umabo is the actual wedding ceremony, during which the bride and groom give each other presents and sacrifice a cow as a sign of their devotion to one another.

In the traditional Sotho rite known as lebollo, the groom’s family gives gifts to the bride’s family before the wedding. After this, the official wedding ceremony begins, during which the couple exchanges rings and signs legal documents officially establishing their marriage. The bright costumes and traditional dances during Sotho weddings are well-known.

The Ndebele people are known for their intricate beading, which is frequently featured in bridal garb. The couple exchanges presents and a goat or sheep is sacrificed as a symbol of their devotion to one another during the wedding ritual. Traditional Ndebele dance and singing are also integral parts of the ceremony.

Marriage customs across South Africa’s largest ethnic groups are varied and steeped in history. While marriage traditions vary from culture to culture, they all place a premium on family and community.