T H E T A L E OF A N A F R I C A N BRIDE PART 2

                            A Celebration of African brides           

                                                                source: unknown 
              
Chapter two 

Traditional engagement

Zamalethu’s groom with the help of his uncles and other male elders in the village made his marriage intentions known to Zamalethu’s family, this was a whole ceremony on its own. Uche and his uncles went to Zamalethu’s family house with a few gifts of homemade traditional beer and a small amount of money placed on a plate covered by another plate, men reached Zamalethu’s family house greeted by her grandmother who upon seeing these men knew that a hand in marriage is about to be asked, she got up from a veranda where she was laying “ah amadoda (men) you are welcome” she went inside the house to inform Zamalethu’s parents of their visitors, they were so happy finally their 24-year-old child who according to them should have been married four years was getting married, “ok woman, get them in” Zamalethu’s father’s said excitedly, her mother put herself together got a hold of her emotions and went to the door   “ abogoshi (in laws)” she went on to greet them while on her knees “you are welcome” she lead them in, Uche was so glad he was welcomed especially after he witnessed a close friend being rejected by a family of a girl he wanted to marry, this whole week has been heart racking for him but finally after this moment he was able to calm himself down, the men went into the house and were greeted by  Zamalethu’s father, the uncles spoke on behalf of Uche telling Zamalethu’s parents of his intentions to marry Zamalethu’s as well as ask for her hand in marriage, “he is definitely a fine young man for our daughter and you are a noble family, but this decision is for Zamalethu’s to make” he turned his attention to his wife who sat right next to him “go and call her”. Zamalethu and her friend and cousin sat at the backyard of the house anxiety waiting, and hoping she’s called to accept his proposal, she sat down with her head on her hands wearing her Sunday best, a baby pink silk blouse with a bright yellow cola, and a African printed floral mid ball skirt, with a hat (Namibian traditional hat) “Zamalethu” her mother called her “yes mama” she jumped up with her big eyes opened even wider, she held on to her skirt, her mother smiled at her this smile caused her friend Karabo and cousin chichi to jump up and down with joy, Zamalethu’s heart settled in peace “come” said her mother who was equally excited, with nothing to say Zamalethu followed her mother and sat on the floor near the door her eyes fixed to the floor “Zamalethu” “Yebo ubaba (yes father)” she softly answered her father “do you know this young man here” he asked, Zamalethu still faced down with eyes fixed to the incomplete tilted floor “yes papa” she answered, this answer was enough and equal to “yes I will marry him”, Zamalethu left the house after her response, she got to the backyard of her cousin and friend, she jumped into their arms and together they danced and sang joyfully. Zamalethu’s parents Uche and uncles shook hands and welcomed each other into their families, they laughed and set a date for the bride price negotiations, the next phrase after this event. 

After this day Uche was now allowed to freely visit Zamalethu at her house. “I can’t wait to finally make you my wife,” Uche said to Zamalethu holding her hands whilst looking over the river where they sat and watched the sunset “me too” replied Zamalethu with a big bright smile, that almost covered her chubby round face. 

The next day Uche and his uncles visited Zamalethu’s family house this time around like a son in law, the bride price negotiations began. This event took hours until finally, both families agreed on a bride price fit for a beautiful decent virgin girl, with 5 cows 3 bottles of traditional beer, she was officially his wife.