Marriage and European Dowry Custom Essay

Lobolo or Lobola (Mahadi in Sesotho sometimes translated as bride price) is a traditional Southern Afri butt end system whereby the man pays the family of his fiancee for her go in marriage (Compargon with the European dowry custom where the woman brings assetscitation needed). The custom is aimed at bringing the two families together, fostering mutual respect, and indicating that the man is capable of supporting his wife financially and emotionally. Traditionally the lobola payment was in cattle as cattle were the primary source of wealth in Afri stern society.However, most modern urban spans have switched to using cash. The process of lobola negotiations can be long and complex, and involves many members from both the brides and the grooms extended families. Often, to dispel any tensions amid the families, a bottle of brandy is set(p) on the table. This is usually not drunk it is simply a communicate to welcome the guest family and make everyone feel more relaxed (it is know n as mvulamlomo, which is Xhosa for mouth opener). Lobola may have some unintended proscribe effects. It may have created a financial barrier for some upstart men looking to take a bride.It is common for a couple that are emotionally ready to commit to each other to deterrent unmarried if they do not have the financial resources to satisfy the hinder traditional ritual. For those who do have the financial means, the issue can be Lobolas opportunity cost. Young men who are in the wealth-creation confront of life may feel that their future is better secured if they invest their gold elsewhere to receive significant financial returns. Lobola is seen by some as an extravagance that has little relevance in a society where two-year-old Africans are trying to lift themselves out of inherited poverty.However, the tradition is adhered to as strongly as ever, and in families where tradition and intention override greed, lobola can be a great way of showing commitment between families, not just between the bride and groom. Many traditional marriages utilise a cash-based lobola this can be then followed by a European-style wedding ceremony, where the lobola capital are used to pay for expenses. In this way, any outlaid costs are returned to the payer in another form, preserving tradition, honour and finances.