Many people don’t know what happens after lobola, which is one of the stages in southern African wedding procedure. But here is what happens next.
After the lobola, which is the bride price/dowry negotiations, you proceed to the Umembeso.
The Umembeso is a gift presentation ceremony where the groom’s family give gifts to the bride’s family. These gifts would be a fulfillment of the list initially received from the woman’s family.
On the day of the Umembeso, which takes place at the bride’s parents home, the in-laws announce their presence with singing outside the gate of the compound.
The bride is then brought out by her father (or a representative if the father is late) accompanied by other family members with songs.
It becomes like a singing competition between the two families as the excitement heightens.
When the bride and her family get to the gate, the groom’s family will then have to put some money on the ground, indicating their willingness to enter the home.
The gate is then opened and the bride and groom are united.
After eating, the bride then changes into a new set of clothing which were brought by her in-laws as a sign of her affirming that she is now a part of their family.
Singing and dancing continues as she comes out to receive the gifts from the groom’s family.
The Umembeso is a ceremony where honour and respect for the bride’s family is displayed.
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