Posted by Chester Morton / Sunday 15 April 2018 / No comments
Why the bride-wealth is important in traditional marriages
WHY THE BRIDE PRICE IS IMPORTANT IN TRADITIONAL MARRIAGES
Definition of marriage
Marriage can be described as a union between a man and woman
to live together as husband and wife, after they have gone through all the
processes or rites that are recognized by the families of both parties. The
marriage is a bond between two families and sometimes even after the marriage
is broke, the bond is not completely severed.
THE BRIDE-WEALTH
Introduction
As part of the traditional marriage practice, a bride price
is put on the woman to be married and this has to be paid by the groom and his
family before the woman can be given to them in marriage. This bride price could
be given out before, during or after the marriage depending on the agreement
reached by both families. The bride-wealth usually consists of money, drinks,
and or animals, depending on the ethnic groups or clans involved in the marriage.
WHY THE PAYMENT OF THE BRIDE-WEALTH IS IMPORTANT
It legitimizes the marriage
The bride-wealth is important because it makes the society
recognize the marriage as being authentic. The man and the woman can now live
together as husband and wife without attracting public scorn associated with those
who cohabit. Additionally, it gives the couple the right to procreate.
To compensate the girl’s family
To bring up a child is considered as a heavy responsibility
in Ghana let alone to bring up a good girl. It is believed that after a girl
has been trained by the family, the family deserved the services that the girl
can offer in the house, on the farm or in business. All these the family is
losing to the husband and his family. The bride-wealth is therefore to serve as
a form of compensation to the family of the girl for the loss of her services.
Indicates consent for the marriage
The payment of the bride-wealth indicates that approval has
been given for the man and woman to live together as husband and wife. It is a
way of sealing the marriage bond between the two families.
It confers rights on the couple and responsibilities
On the part of the man, he now has legitimate rights over the
sexuality of the woman. The man takes control of the economic and domestic
services that the woman is capable of offering and generally takes over in
matters relating to that family. On the other hand, the woman gains the right
to be catered for and protected by the husband.
A show of love and respect to the bride
It is against the norms of the society to cohabit and start
bearing children. Though this is common, it s frowned upon by society especially
during personal conversations. To pay the bride-wealth of a woman is to confer
respect on her. It also shows that the man really loves the woman.
Ensures paternity
When the bride-wealth is paid, every child that is born into
the said family, by the couple, has the legitimate right to be catered for. The
child enjoys every benefit that is due every member of that family. He or she is
given recognition as a bona fide member of that family.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. Highlight six reasons why the payment of the bride-wealth
in important in traditional marriages.
ALSO READ:
Why it is important to marry
The processes through which marriage s contracted
ALSO READ:
Why it is important to marry
The processes through which marriage s contracted
