Africa is the birthplace of civilization. There have been so many societies that started on this continent, and some would dare to call it the birthplace of humanity. There are many different religions, different people, and so many cultures to take in.
Weddings
In any society, the wedding is extremely important. In every wedding there are several key elements involved. These are religion and spirituality of course, but there is also a sense of family. It is the merging of two families, or even two tribes. There are so many different tribes in Africa, and as you can imagine, they all have their own distinct way of carrying out the celebration. Often these traditions can be traced back a very long time.
In Africa, the entire continent is ruled by it's religious diversity. Everywhere you go you can find a melting pot of different religions. Muslims, Christians, Hindus, even religions that are unique to Africa.
Weddings will always be complicated. They are not like the wedding ceremonies that you have become used to seeing in other nations. In fact if you attend such a wedding you might find that it can last for several days and involve many different couples.
When you're dealing with Africa, polygamy is quite common. In the Sudan a man can have up to four wives. The groom will pay the bride's family a fee, also known as a bridewealth for the loss of their daughter. In many cases it will be paid in livestock instead of currency.
Prearranged marriages are also a part of African culture and are common in many African countries. In fact, it is not at all uncommon for a girl to be engaged before she is even born. These agreements are made between families who are either close friends or have some sort of business arrangement.
African traditional wedding ceremonies always involve song, dance and bright, festive colors. They also symbolize the transition between childhood and adulthood, although most African newlyweds are little more than children themselves. In fact, it is not uncommon for people in African to be married at thirteen or younger.
In African culture divorce is frowned upon and therefore is a real rarity. If a couple does encounter serious marital problems, they are often discussed by both families and solutions are reached. Unlike in the United States, marriage is seen as more than just the union of a single couple, but rather as the union of two families each of which has a vested interest in the partnership.
Music
As we mentioned, music and dance are extremely important in African culture. Since reading and writing came late to Africa, music and dance was the primary form of communication. African music and dance was based on oral tradition where storytellers relied on their body movements as well as musical instruments to tell their tales. African music is characterized by its unique rhythms, beats and harmonies. Though early African musicians were masters of many instruments, the quintessential African instrument is the drum which keeps the beat and drives the dance.
Weddings
In any society, the wedding is extremely important. In every wedding there are several key elements involved. These are religion and spirituality of course, but there is also a sense of family. It is the merging of two families, or even two tribes. There are so many different tribes in Africa, and as you can imagine, they all have their own distinct way of carrying out the celebration. Often these traditions can be traced back a very long time.
In Africa, the entire continent is ruled by it's religious diversity. Everywhere you go you can find a melting pot of different religions. Muslims, Christians, Hindus, even religions that are unique to Africa.
Weddings will always be complicated. They are not like the wedding ceremonies that you have become used to seeing in other nations. In fact if you attend such a wedding you might find that it can last for several days and involve many different couples.
When you're dealing with Africa, polygamy is quite common. In the Sudan a man can have up to four wives. The groom will pay the bride's family a fee, also known as a bridewealth for the loss of their daughter. In many cases it will be paid in livestock instead of currency.
Prearranged marriages are also a part of African culture and are common in many African countries. In fact, it is not at all uncommon for a girl to be engaged before she is even born. These agreements are made between families who are either close friends or have some sort of business arrangement.
African traditional wedding ceremonies always involve song, dance and bright, festive colors. They also symbolize the transition between childhood and adulthood, although most African newlyweds are little more than children themselves. In fact, it is not uncommon for people in African to be married at thirteen or younger.
In African culture divorce is frowned upon and therefore is a real rarity. If a couple does encounter serious marital problems, they are often discussed by both families and solutions are reached. Unlike in the United States, marriage is seen as more than just the union of a single couple, but rather as the union of two families each of which has a vested interest in the partnership.
Music
As we mentioned, music and dance are extremely important in African culture. Since reading and writing came late to Africa, music and dance was the primary form of communication. African music and dance was based on oral tradition where storytellers relied on their body movements as well as musical instruments to tell their tales. African music is characterized by its unique rhythms, beats and harmonies. Though early African musicians were masters of many instruments, the quintessential African instrument is the drum which keeps the beat and drives the dance.
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To learn more about African traditional culture and traditions and listen to free African traditional music at the African Side site.
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