What you Need to Know Before you Marry from Sierra Leone – Marriage Culture

It’s exciting to learn about Sierra Leone’s unique marriage customs. People in Sierra Leone place a great emphasis on marriage because of the cultural significance it holds. There are some similarities in the traditional marriage rituals practiced by the various ethnic groups in Sierra Leone.

For instance, in many cultural traditions, marriage is regarded as a means of cementing family bonds and ensuring the continuity of the family bloodline. Marriages are often arranged by the families of the bride and groom, leaving the pair with little to no say in the issue. On the other hand, there are unions when the pair has already decided on each other and is only waiting for parental blessing.

The groom’s family traditionally pays a bride price to the bride’s family as a gesture of goodwill and thanks for their daughter’s union with the groom. This custom is meant to demonstrate to the bride that the prospective husband is financially stable and committed to the union.

The place of women in Sierra Leonean marriage culture is another significant facet of the institution. To be obedient to one’s husband and to care for one’s family are traditional roles for women. More and more women, however, are getting degrees and joining the industry, so this is beginning to change.

Marriage customs in Sierra Leone are multifaceted and varied, much like the country’s history and culture.