...ABOUT DOWRIES?

A dowry is a gift of significant monetary value from the bride’s (or in some cases the groom’s) family to the family of their soon-to-be spouse.

The value of the dowry can be based on several factors, such as the family’s class or income. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a cash amount, it can be given in the form of furniture, jewellery, property, or even livestock in certain cultures.

Every culture has their different traditions and norms when it comes to dowries and even love and marriage more generally. Here are a few examples we’ve come across.

Great Britain

Dowry in the UK dates back to the early 12th century. In ancient Britain, Dowry was made from the bride’s family to the groom’s family. Its role, which was unique to Britain, was to provide financial security for the wife and potential children in the future (in the event of widowhood for example) as the bride entered into her new family. It often consisted of cash but also could include fine jewellery, household items, and livestock.

Though with time this tradition has died out, in certain settings e.g. in royal circles, a watered-down version of this tradition still remains. When Kate Middleton wedded Prince William in the spring of 2011, Kate’s parents made a financial contribution to the big day. Though much smaller than what would be considered acceptable in the royal weddings of former days, this tradition was still respected.

Nigeria

Nigerian wedding preparations kick off with formal introduction of the family members. Before the first meeting between both families, thorough research is done to ensure the young couple are not blood related to each other. In this first meeting both families exchange gifts. In Igbo tribe, the potential groom’s family receives a dowry list from the bride’s family. According to the traditional Igbo wedding customs, the dowry determines if the groom is ready to marry or not.

The groom must fulfil or commit to the dowry list before they can announce their engagement. The list varies from tribe to tribe or family’s culture. The bride price (dowry) becomes more expensive if she holds a degree or doctorate.

Dowry in Nigeria is expensive; many grooms who cannot afford it have to end the relationship. Wedding planning begins immediately after the full bride price is paid. This still happens in a modern wedding.

China

In China, a similar wedding tradition exists. Pin Jin, the bride’s price, is a practice in which the groom’s family offers the bride’s family an amount of money as a symbol of respect. Similar to other nations and cultures around the world, the Chinese believe that when a daughter is married she leaves her own family and becomes part of the family of her new spouse.

The Pin Jin is given as a symbol of the bride’s value to her groom’s family. There is no set amount that this offering has to be, which can make things harder, however most advise for conversations to happen between both families when this is being decided.

Zambia

A dowry or bride’s price in Zambia is called ‘lobola‘. This is a pre-wedding practice where the groom is asked to pay an appreciation fee to his intended wife’s family for raising her well. This fee is usually in monetary form in urban cities, or in livestock in rural areas. Before the process, a groom must declare his intention to marry the bride by bringing plates filled with money which is called ‘nsalamu‘ to his bride’s relatives.

SOURCES https://www.eivans.com/nigerian-wedding-traditions/ https://www.herworld.com/weddings/ideas-advice/pin-jin-or-dowry-what-you-should-know-about-chinese-wedding-tradition/ https://theculturetrip.com/africa/zambia/articles/12-traditions-only-zambians-can-understand/