African Culture

  • What You Should Know About Egyptian Wedding Traditions and Ceremonies

    Although Egypt generally follows a bride price system, both the bride’s and groom’s sides contributet o the overall cost of marriage following pre-defined traditions. The ideal held through these expenditures at the time of marriage, is that the newlywed couple should be established with a fully-equipped joint residence. Typically, the groom’s side is primarily responsiblef…

  • How to Drape your Umushana

    The typical length of the Umushana should be one that covers your shoes from your waist. Pay attention to your pleats when draping your Umushana so you have a neat look and elegant carriage. It should go round your body with even and neatly tucked pleats, and be pinned securely and discreetly on your shoulder….

  • Common Items Given As Bride Price/Dowry in a Rwandan Traditional Wedding Ceremony

    The bride’s family is responsible for suggesting what sort of Dowry they would like. The two families then agree on these items, which are to be delivered before their arrival for the next visit. Popular gifts that are given as Dowry for the bride are:  Local beer “Amaarwa and Urwagwa”, usually presented in pots. Cattle…

  • What is Gusaba?

    “Gusaba” is a Kinyarwanda word meaning ‘to ask’. It is a traditional Rwandan ceremony where the family of the husband-to-be officially asks for the lady’s hand in marriage. In Africa marriage is  seen not just as something that happens between two people, but two families. Marriage ceremonies in Rwanda are no exception, asit is believed…