African weddings revolve round mainly tribal weddings. The African Wedding Theme incorporate a family affair with an elaborate ritualistic procedure. The bride is linked to the unborn child and the ancestors. There are two main African Wedding Themes such as the Ankole wedding tradition and the Pygmie wedding traditions. The Pygmie wedding traditions involve formal engagements. The groom is supposed to bring a gift of game to his bride.
The African Wedding Theme is influenced by the Islamic cultures. In southern Africa there are Christian, Hindu and Jewish traditions. The South African wedding traditions is more ritualistic than any other part of Africa. The tradition involves a bridal procession to the church. There are twelve symbols of life present in the African Wedding Theme. They are wine, wheat, pepper, salt, bitter herbs, a pot, a spoon, a broom, honey, a spear, a shield and a copy of Koran and a Bible. Each of these items depict love and strength in the relation. The wedding feast is known as Karamu.
In South Africa, the bride and the groom are supposed to carry a hearth of fire to their new home. This act will bring in prosperity in their new life. The Sudanese traditions involve that before the wedding the bride and the groom are supposed to kiss the knees of their parents which is known as sungkem. There is an egg breaking ceremony in this African Wedding Theme. There are dancers who shower tumeric rice, coins and candy on the bride and the groom for properity and happiness in their married life. Seven candles are lit after the dancing ceremony is over. The seven candles represent the seven directions of life to bring happiness in a married life. A betel nut is presented to the newly married couples so that they do not forget the customs involved in the marriage.
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