AFRICA ARRANGED MARRIAGES

The role of tribes and family is very important in African traditions of marriage. Most of the marriages are arranged by the family of the marrying partners. Women are considered so valuable that the husbands are traditionally request to give some gift to the family of the bride. The noble families consider it honorable to have arranged marriages of their children. The tradition has cemented the communities to have good partners for their children.

Poor families permit their children to select their life partners. Even them try to select the best spouse on their likings and disliking. They don’t allow their family to get involved unnecessarily.

Why is it like this?

Children from rich and nobles families often depend upon their parents for a long time until they establish their own recognition. On the other hand, children from the poor families have to struggle from a very young age. They rarely have to depend upon their families; they have to struggle for their survival which makes them free from the problem of recognition.

The African traditions of marriage are a collection of diverse customs and events; influence of Islam, Christianity and Western society is evident.