Author: Varvara Lyutova
March 29, 2022 08:40
Tags: Africa customs first wedding night wedding traditions
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Every nation has its own wedding rituals. Somewhere, the bride is led to the altar by the hand by her father, and somewhere, the groom’s friends secretly kidnap her from the bedroom of her father’s house. In some places the newlyweds are pelted with rice, and in others they are showered with banknotes. Europeans will certainly consider African wedding ceremonies exotic. Well, those traditions of African tribes that relate to the first wedding night will seem completely crazy to many!
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Wedding night in a communal apartment
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Among the Arikan Berber tribes, the bride and groom rarely manage to stay alone the night after the wedding. They usually spend their wedding night as a group, for which several newly married couples settle down together in one large bedroom. This is considered a session of learning love games, and in addition, according to the Berbers, it relieves stress before an important event. The bride and groom have not always known each other for a long time, but it is still more fun to engage in indecency in the company of peers.
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Religion
In Ossetia, the indigenous population adheres to Christianity and Islam.
Among them there are also those who revere traditional Ossetian beliefs. An important religious ritual, “Three Pies,” is associated with traditional Ossetian pies. The ritual is held on major family or national holidays at weddings. Three pies are served on the table and prayers are said. Three ribs of the animal sacrificed are served along with the pies. If an animal was slaughtered at home for a big holiday, you can serve the neck or head instead of ribs. The number 3 means sky, sun and earth. 2 pies are served at the funeral table.
Assistant under the bed
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In Swahili culture, marriages are arranged by parents, and often the bride and groom do not know each other at all before the wedding. In order for them to cope with the difficulties of the wedding night, from ancient times to the present day, an older relative of the bride - an assistant, or somo - has been placed in the bedroom, under the bed. If necessary, she gives advice to the newlyweds during the process, and in the morning she testifies that everything went as expected and presents her fellow villagers with a sheet with traces of blood.
Interesting Facts
For European residents, the way of life, customs and traditions of African tribes are unusual and interesting.
Here are a few facts that you should focus on:
- The most common weapon of Africans for protection and hunting is the Kalashnikov assault rifle. It is also used by tribes living in remote areas with a traditional way of life.
- Tribes living according to the traditions of the tribal system make up 10% of the total population of Africa.
- Nobel laureate, political and statesman, human rights activist, Nelson Mandela is a native of the Xhosa tribe.
Cruel customs
In addition to the above-mentioned cruel and painful procedures for the transformation and decoration of the body, the traditions of initialization and marriage, other customs are common on the “black” continent, sometimes giving goosebumps.
The following should be noted:
- Cannibalism. Until the 80s of the last century, and in the Congo until 2000, there was evidence of eating people. This was done to scare away enemies, and the natives believe that it gives them strength and energy.
- Beating. In many tribes, it is customary to beat women (wives by their husbands) just like that; many do it voluntarily. Children are beaten to harden them.
- Livestock breeding tribes often drink the blood of animals, sometimes mixed with milk. The Aborigines believe that this will preserve and increase strength.
- Loyalty to spouses is optional. But if a child is born out of wedlock, the woman must get rid of him as soon as possible.
Virgin swing
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Among the Zulu people, at a wedding, before the newlyweds leave for their wedding night, the families of the bride and groom arrange a kind of dance competition. The culmination of the competition is the bride's dance, during which she must raise her leg as high as possible and remain in this position for as long as possible in front of her mother, who in the meantime must look under her skirt and make sure that she is still a virgin. If you think about it, this moment is a pure formality - unless the mother is an experienced gynecologist. But the guests are probably satisfied.
Origin story
The origin of the Ossetians (self-name, Iron, Digoron) goes back to the distant past. The Alans, the ancestors of modern Ossetians, first appeared in the 1st century AD near Byzantium, occupying the territory of the northeastern borders of the Roman Empire. “Severe and warlike,” as Lucian called them in his time, the Alans raided neighboring states.
These medieval tribes communicated with many peoples, either concluding peace treaties with them or clashing on the battlefield. Thus, the history of the Alans is closely intertwined with the history of the peoples not only of the Caucasus, but also of the South of Russia. And it was these peoples who settled along the upper reaches of the Kuban and Terek that gave rise to the history of modern Ossetians.
Scientists have proven a clear continuity: Scythians - Sarmatians - Alans - Ossetians. The Scythians, who made victorious campaigns in Asia Minor and created the most skillful gold jewelry, settled in the Crimea and the Northern Black Sea region, along the lower reaches of the Don and Danube, back in the 8th century BC.
At the beginning of the 4th century, the Scythian king Atey, uniting tribal unions, created a powerful state. But in the 3rd century they were attacked by Sarmatian tribes, part of the Scythians dispersed, and another, more significant one, formed the Scythian-Sarmatian kingdom. Soon the Goths entered it, then the Huns, who involved everyone in the Great Migration of Peoples. But the most persistent Alans emerged from the Scythian-Sarmatian state, some of them went with the Huns to the West, and the other, going to the foothills of the Caucasus, united with the local population.
It gave rise to the future state of Alanya. When Genghis Khan invaded Alanya with his horde and captured flat fertile lands, the remnants of the Alan army he defeated retreated to the mountains. For five whole centuries the Alans did not appear on the historical stage and were reborn under the name of Ossetians. The Alans were first called Ossetians by their neighbors, the Georgians, with this name they became part of Russia in the 18th century, and the history of Ossetia became a common history with Russia.
As of 2022, the number of Ossetian nationalities was about 702 thousand people. Today there are many places in the CIS and other countries where Ossetians live: not only in the mountains of South and North Ossetia, but also in Georgia, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia, Turkey.
Class division
The Ossetians, driven into the mountains, found it very difficult to adapt to new conditions. Travelers who rarely wandered into these harsh places remember this country as closed and inaccessible even to enemies, since they were scared away by ice-covered mountains, close and high cliffs and rocks, and rivers with large currents. There was little wood, the stoves were heated with dung. The soils are infertile, frozen, so only wheat, oats and barley were born. In the XVII-XVIII centuries. Ossetians formed five main groups, which differed both in their way of life and in language.
Later, princes from neighboring Kabarda began to own the exits from the gorges where the Ossetians lived and asked for tribute from them. The Kabardians had the greatest influence on their closest neighbors, the Digorians, and a little less on the Tagaurians. The Kurtatins did not develop a class division, but they did not deny it either. And only the Alagirians, who were farthest from Kabarda, who completely rejected class inequality, retained clan democracy.
Language and religion
The Ossetian language belongs to the Iranian group of Indo-European languages. In North Ossetia, there are two dialects - Iron and Digor, as there are two subethnic groups - Iron and Digor. The dialect of the Ironians is accepted as a literary language. The Digor dialect also has a literary form. Books and magazines are published in both dialects.
The Igor dialect is assigned to the residents of South Ossetia, but two dialects are distinguished in it. If the population of the southern territories borrowed more words from the Georgian language, then in the northern part of the country the borrowings relate mainly to Russian words.
As for faith and religion, Ossetians belong to two world faiths - Christianity and Islam. Traditional Ossetian beliefs are also present in the republic. For example, according to a 2012 survey, the traditional religion of their ancestors was observed in the answers of almost 30% of respondents.
One of the traditional rituals is called “Three Pies,” which is usually performed at weddings and other large celebrations. Three pies are brought to the table and prayers are said. At the same time, three ribs of the animal that was previously sacrificed are served. The number "3" relates to the sky, sun and earth. At funerals, according to custom, two pies are served.
Orthodox and Muslim communities participate in joint rites of ancient beliefs. Ossetian-Muslims live more in the northern half of the republic. The system of ancient beliefs involves honoring the supreme god Khuytsau, who subjugates the deities of the natural elements.
Fat night
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In the Himba tribe living in Namibia, before going to the groom's house for the wedding night, the bride comes to the house of her father, who tells her about her upcoming marital duties, after which her relatives grease the girl's head with cow fat. Fortunately, usually a special headdress made of cow skin is first put on the bride’s head - it can be seen in the photo. I would like to hope that this structure can be easily removed, and the newlyweds do not have to struggle with it throughout their wedding night.
Features of the event
Holding a wedding in South Africa and the preparation process directly depends on the type of ceremony chosen. There are quite unique wedding processes, or you can have a traditional celebration and just enjoy your honeymoon.
Beach option
This is one of the most beautiful ceremonies, a good idea for people of any income level. Payments for expensive churches or restaurants are excluded; newlyweds are required to submit an application on time and pay the state fee. Here it is important to choose the right place, season, angle, and also choose additional accessories. If there are a large number of guests, you will have to take additional care of decorating chairs and benches.
Safari
The procedure itself can be carried out directly during the safari, it is possible to exchange vows in the presence of animals. Independent planning of such a wedding is unacceptable, since a specially designated place and conditions of a sufficient level of security are required. This procedure is by default more expensive, but it is exotic, and the photo session will be very unusual; you won’t have to go far to get stunning photos.
Underwater wedding
A wedding in South Africa is one of the most expensive. Here you will have to trust the professionals, since you will not be able to find and prepare the area yourself, as well as take care of the safety of the procedure. Usually you need to hire a yacht that will take you to the most beautiful reefs; an experienced captain will take you to a place where fish accumulate for a photo shoot.
Unexpectedly
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In the African Shona tribe, the first wedding night occurs even before the wedding, and it becomes a surprise for the groom. After the engagement is concluded, the bride herself chooses the day - or rather, the night - on which she, in a white wedding robe and accompanied by numerous relatives, comes to the groom's house with songs and dances. Neither the groom nor his family know this date, and this is not an accident: among the Shona, it is believed that in this way the girl tests her beloved and his family’s ability to cope with unexpected problems. The groom's unsuspecting relatives must notice the procession in time and, in turn, greet it with a joyful dance. After mutual expression of joy, the bride remains in her mother-in-law's house, where she will finally be left alone with the groom. Well, the wedding ceremonies will begin in the morning.
Top unusual wedding customs around the world
Mud baths at a wedding in Switzerland
In some regions and settlements of Switzerland, the tradition of dousing the bride from head to toe with mud is still preserved on the day before the wedding.
In the most literal sense of the word. The more unpleasant this slurry looks and smells, the more happy the participants in this unusual procedure are. When preparing this infernal mixture, everything is used: ketchup, mayonnaise, eggs, beer, kefir, rotten leftover food. So, in addition to taking a stinking shower, the bride will have to go to all the drinking establishments and other public institutions of the town, accompanied by a convoy of the groom’s friends, to demonstrate to onlookers the observance of tradition. It is believed that after such humiliation, all other future antics of the faithful will seem to the wife like childish pranks. And there will simply be no scandals in the family. And no one else would covet such a dirty woman.
Amazing Bali Wedding Traditions
On this island, local residents adhere to the ancient custom of filing the teeth of newlyweds before the wedding ceremony.
Six pieces for each at once, incisors and fangs. This ritual symbolizes entry into adult, independent life. Girls move from under the wing of their parents to the care of their chosen ones, relieving them of the burden of caring for themselves. The fathers of the grooms have to take the rap; they have to pay for the wedding and help the new units of Balinese society. According to the belief of the aborigines, unfiled teeth can become a source of animal instincts (they identify the fangs of animals with human ones), which will inevitably lead to trouble. In addition, with this procedure, the devil’s vices are expelled from lovers, also six: anger, lust, envy, gluttony, greed and stupidity.
Strange wedding rituals in Barneo
In the Tudong tribe, inhabiting the island of Borneo, according to ancient customs, it is customary to test the willpower and strength of the newlyweds’ bodies.
If they pass the test, then a supposedly happy and carefree life awaits them, and if not, they cannot avoid discord and quarrels, and terrible grief. And the essence of the test is that for three days after the marriage ceremony the spouses are not allowed to go...to the toilet. They have to forget about food and drink a sip of water. Vigilant observer guards do not allow them to relax. Well, who said that happiness comes easy?
Strange weddings in China
The Tujia peoples who live on the territory of the People's Republic of China have a rather bitter and plaintive tradition.
A month before her wedding, their bride begins to cry with burning tears every day, as soon as the sun disappears behind the horizon. Ten days later, instead of comforting her, her mother joins her, after the same amount of time, the rest of her relatives, and on the eve of the wedding ceremony itself, her girlfriends all burst into tears. Moreover, while crying, all these ladies sing special songs. They are taught this from early childhood, since it is believed that the more tears are cried, the happier and more carefree family life will be. But these are all flowers compared to the customs of the inhabitants of Africa.
The third one is not superfluous
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The Banyankole tribe, living in northwestern Uganda, has a strange tradition. Before the bride gets married, her aunt must sleep with her groom. An experienced woman in this way checks that a man’s potency is okay, and at the same time evaluates his talents in bed. Then, on the wedding night, the aunt is also present in the newlyweds’ room - but this time in the role of a coach: she tells inexperienced young people what and how to do. I wonder how they even cope in such an environment?
Body paintings of the peoples of Africa
In traditional culture, a tattoo is an analogue of an indelible and unlosable amulet or talisman. They protect from hostile spirits, which is more than important in African realities, and attract the attention of good spirits. In addition to them, there are also “epaulet tattoos” that indicate a person’s social status.
In addition to tattoos, there are also drawings made using scarring. These customs are so common in Africa that it is simply unrealistic to surprise someone with a tattoo or a bunch of scars.
The candle was burning on the table, the candle was burning
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In the villages of Tunisia, the groom, having fulfilled his marital duty, must immediately light a candle and place it on the window. So he tells the whole village, carefully watching through the windows, that everything went as it should, and the bride was a virgin. It is not known whether the newlyweds feel awkward that the entire village is immediately privy to their intimate life?
Among friends
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In Morocco, virginity is treated strictly. During the bachelorette party before the wedding, the bridesmaids are required to check to see if she is a virgin and report their findings to all interested parties. And in the most traditional families, girlfriends also come to the wedding night. It must be difficult for the newlyweds to get along in such a big company!
Guest outfits
Those invited to nature on a hot summer day can be advised to wear straw hats - this little thing will add a thematic touch and will not burden the guests too much.
You shouldn’t demand excessive originality: kokoshniks from girls and shirts from guys, but it is necessary to specify in the invitations that the dress code is observed. Embroidered belts, traditional beads and bouquets of spikelets will perfectly complement the images of guests in a rustic style.
You can weave matching flower wreaths for your bridesmaids in advance. In addition, it is better to leave a few wreaths in reserve for those who decide to ignore the prescribed dress code.
If you're worried that guests won't take the dress code seriously enough, come up with a good motivation for them. For example, organize a competition for the best wedding suit, the prize of which will be a professional photo shoot.
Let there be blood!
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In Ethiopia, the main concern on the wedding night is also the bride's virginity. She must take her white head cover with her to the bedroom - this is where she should leave traces of blood. While the newlyweds indulge in pleasures, the newly-made mother-in-law and the groom's witness are waiting outside the door. Immediately after the end of the process, the girl must take out the scarf stained with blood. If for some reason there is no blood, the young husband has the right to flog his wife with a whip and even abandon her, sending her back to her parents and demanding full compensation for the ransom.
Ethiopian wedding
The family solemnly blocks the entrance to the house. Partners must play decisively and force their way into your home. The first "bestman" contains sprays and perfumes throughout the house while the bride's family plays songs.
Christian marriages, mainly in places of Amhara and Tigray, are often arranged between the parents of a special couple, who have a lot of negotiations. According to tradition, in addition to culture, the bride must be a virgin when the marriage takes place and this is an old traditional ritual. Because the virginity of the bride will be highly valued and enjoyed in a Christian marriage, as everyone in your house will be ashamed if the bride is not a virgin in the marriage.
In bed with a stranger
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There are many countries where the bride meets the groom for the first time only at the wedding. But in Tanzania, things are even worse: a girl sees her betrothed for the first time only in the bedroom, during her wedding night. Marriages there are carried out exclusively by agreement with the parents, and the bride and groom do not meet before the wedding. The whole celebration also takes place without her: while the groom and relatives are having fun, the girl, dressed up and made up, sits at home and waits for her young husband. When he arrives, the girl is escorted to the bedroom - and here she first meets the one with whom she will share a bed today - and always.
How does matchmaking and engagement work?
Before the newlyweds can call each other husband and wife, matchmaking will take place and the engagement will be announced. This procedure is carried out in a special way in each tribe and has significant differences, but there are a number of requirements that are mandatory for everyone:
- Payment of bride price. Its size is always different. Sometimes the groom can pay the bills easily, but sometimes he has to work for many years to save the required amount of money and present the required gifts to the bride’s father. In other tribes, the groom gives only part of the ransom to his father-in-law, and pays the remaining amount in small amounts over several years after the wedding.
- The Massai will help the groom by freeing him from paying the ransom if he wins the high jump competition.
- As a ransom during matchmaking, the groom's parents present fabrics, clothes, jewelry, but the most valuable gift is cattle. Animals indicate the wealth of future relatives. The more livestock that is donated, the richer the groom.
In order for the bride to please the groom's parents (they are the ones who make the choice, since the age of the future spouse rarely exceeds 15 years), she is not only prepared, taking care of the beauty of her body.
The girl’s parents prove to their fellow tribesmen their wealth and the bride’s ability to take care of her husband, children and household. These customs are observed in many tribes, but in the cities of the continent, matchmaking and engagement are carried out in the same way as in European countries. The groom brings gifts to the bride, her parents and close relatives, and always buys a ring, which will serve as evidence of the agreement.
Now the moment comes when the relatives of the newlyweds begin to prepare for the wedding.
Listen up everyone!
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For Libyan Muslims, a wedding is a long affair, usually lasting at least five days. The bride and groom spend the first three days each in their own home. On the fourth day, the bride throws a friendly party at her home, where the groom comes to pick her up in the evening, taking his friends with him for courage. Then the couple, accompanied by the whole crowd of friends, goes on foot to the house of the young spouse. At this time, it is customary among the friends of the newlyweds to make as much noise as possible and joke publicly about what is about to happen behind a closed door. True, the bride and groom are still left alone in the house, which distinguishes Libyans from other African peoples.
Budget wedding: ideas
Having decided to save, people think that the only possible solution is to sign up and tell their friends about it. But you can come up with a lot of interesting options, inexpensive, but original. Options for a budget wedding depend on your preferences. If you want to be just the two of you, but the economy is understandable, there are no guests, everything is modest, but romantic. But if you want close friends to be nearby at this moment, you will have to think about organizing a holiday.
- Go to a club. For those who like to have fun, this option will be optimal. We signed, took pictures, and went to a club or bar with friends. Most likely you will have to pay for snacks and drinks, but this will cost much less than a traditional banquet. In clubs there is more dancing than eating.
- Go to the pool or sauna. A favorite place for many couples to meet friends. A calm, relaxing environment where you can chat, swim, steam and eat. All this will be inexpensive and will be fun. If your city has a water park, you can move the fun there.
- Go to the cinema. Of course, if there are other people in the hall, you will disturb them, but for sure they will understand your position. Instead of invitations, send your friends movie tickets for your favorite movie. At the appointed time, everyone will meet in the cinema hall. This gathering of friends leads to comments on every scene of the film, but that is the essence of the holiday. It will be fun.
- A completely budget option is an online wedding. Well suited for friends who are in different cities, but want to congratulate the newlyweds. You can arrange a conference on Skype, exchange toasts, congratulations and clink glasses of champagne through the monitor. You can't think of a cheaper option.
Another budget option is to go to a fast food restaurant with friends. These are everywhere. It's delicious, filling and inexpensive. This would be a great option for a group of friends. You can even book a separate room, it will still be cheaper. If the company has a sense of humor, such a wedding can be played out. For example, appoint the most cheerful toastmaster, instead of a loaf of bread, ceremoniously break a Big Mac.
Go on a hike. Lovers of outdoor activities will appreciate this wedding
But it is important that all friends are committed to going on a hike. You can sign the wedding right away in suitable clothes, identifying the bride only with a veil, and the groom with a butterfly, and then safely go to the mountains, forests or other places where it will be pleasant to relax
Virginity sacrificed
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In a traditional Egyptian wedding, it is not the groom who deflowers the bride. This is done by a specially called midwife, wrapping her fingers in a white scarf. The blood on the handkerchief, which is immediately shown to the groom’s relatives, is undeniable evidence of innocence, which the groom himself, alas, is never destined to fully enjoy.
African masks
Africans have achieved incredible skill in making masks, as well as in making figurines. Masks are usually made of wood, and with their help certain magical rituals are performed. It can be said that the mask allows the adept to plunge into a deeper altered state of consciousness, giving it a clearly defined specificity.
If a person is trained and persistent and does not waste his energy, then from this state he can carry out certain actions that lead to certain changes in his (or the client’s) life. By the way, for the same reason, travelers are not recommended to buy African masks as a souvenir, since it is unknown what kind of past lies behind these items.
Despite purely European mistrust, to date there have been many reports of a sharp deterioration in health, a streak of pronounced failures and other negative consequences that began after the purchase of such masks. So it’s better not to joke with African magic, because this area of human activity has never been fully explored.
In this regard, a very special place is the small city of Ouidah, in Benin. As you know, it was the local witchcraft traditions that laid the foundation for the cult of voodoo, which is more correctly called “water.” The town is considered the unofficial capital of all voodooists. This place is also revered by followers of other African traditions. In 1993, Benin even began to officially celebrate Water Day.
extramarital night
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In Namibia, they prepare for a wedding for a whole year; it is accompanied by mass festivities, a feast for the whole world, music, dancing and other fun. However, after the celebration, the bride and groom each go to their own home and spend the night separately from each other. They have to wait another whole day - only on the second night after the wedding are they allowed to lie in the same bed. But, by the way, a woman is not considered an official wife until she gives birth to a second child.
Unusual wedding traditions of African countries
Nigeria
All grooms of the Ibo tribe are subjected to a physical test, only after passing which can he marry the girl he likes.
All the beauty’s many relatives line up in a row, and the future husband needs to go through this crowd. Everything would be fine, but at this time they are fiercely beating him with sticks. The deceased is happily accepted into the family, believing that he is ripe for marriage. But Nigerian brides, in order to be considered a real beauty, have to gain as much weight as possible for months before the wedding. They are sent to special institutions, where they are monitored to ensure that they eat kilograms of millet and drink liters of fatty camel milk. At the same time, their movements are very limited.
Kenya
Here, the newly-made husband must spend a month in women's clothing in order to experience all the delights of a woman's life. And as a sign of a change in status, the wife’s hands are decorated with a black and red pattern.
Nepal
Here the future mothers of the spouses agree on the upcoming wedding ceremony. In advance...15-20 years in advance, when the babies are still in their bellies. If two guys or a couple of babies are born, the engagement is terminated. But this is not as surprising as the tradition of the Newar people, which involves marrying girls to a fruit symbolizing the sacred Vishnu.
Rwanda
The wives here are to be envied. After the wedding, they are allowed to hit, push, bite and scratch their hubbies at night, and during the day they take a break from the exhausting activity. True, not for long, just a couple of weeks. The natives sincerely believe that by performing such a ritual, the spouse will get rid of anger for the rest of her life, which means there will be no squabbles in the family. In Russia, fortunately, customs are completely different.
