Questions and Answers about Culture & Lifestyle
The Kikuyu Dowry is about 99goats, which is usually estimated at 100goats. The Dowry these days is usually monetized so if you know the cost of a goat, you should have an idea of what it will cost you. A goat costs between ksh5,000 to ksh18,000 so you’re looking at about ksh 500,000 to…
Ruracio in Kenyan Kikuyu culture simply refers to Negotiation and Payment of the Dowry or Bride price. It is the last stage in the Kikuyu Traditional wedding ceremony. Before this there would have been the “Kuhanda Ithigi or “Planting twigs”. This is the first stage where the groom gets to state his intention to ask…
Here is a list of Ruracio items the Groom usually brings: Items for the men in the bride’s family (Athuri) Fattened ram (Goima) He-goat (Thenge) Sheep (Ng’ondu) Kaburi Blankets Goats (counted in tens; Mburi cia mirongo) Heifer (Mori) Njohi ya uuki (beer made from honey) Assorted items for bride’s father (Maaha indo cia Muthuri)…
![How to Organize Your Ruracio Budget [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/clipkulture.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ruracio.jpg?fit=700%2C875&ssl=1)
So you’re engaged. Congratulations! Now comes the part that makes many couples reach for something stronger than chai: planning the Ruracio. If you’ve been anywhere near social media lately, you’ve probably seen the videos. The groom arrives in a helicopter. The bride’s family receives cows draped in designer fabrics. The decor looks like it was…
Make sure you select a top or blouse that suits your size, complexion and the colour and texture of your Umushana. Blouses or tops worn with Umushana are usually skin tight or stretch. They can also be long sleeve or armless tubes. Accessorise your Umushana with shoes, jewellery and a clutch purse. Remember, less is…
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….
Umushanana is usually made of silky and polished materials which helps it flow. Stiff cotton fabrics can give a heavy look and feel. The outfit comprises a wrap skirt bundled around the waist and a sash draped on a shoulder. It is important to choose your colours and patterns according to your body shape and…
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…
