Muslims In `Eid

Traditions of Marriage

Generosity Has much to Do with Marriage in Ethiopia!

In Ethiopia, marriage is marked by holding many ceremonies that usually start with engagement. After the bride proposes to the groom, he usually sends a milky cow to the house of his would-be-wife. The wife’s mother usually gather the milk of the cow in order to make various dairy products that will be sent as a gift to the groom’s house on the night of consummation.

The engagement ceremony is usually attended by the tribal chiefs. The groom’s mother-in-law usually hands the groom a cup of milk to drink, which is a clear indication that she is happy with him and is overwhelmed with joy.

From the moment of proposal, the groom usually helps his father-in-law in farming his land as well as other related activities as if he is a real son.

On the day of consummation, the groom is served a very special meal that is usually prepared by his mother-in-law. After having the meal, the mother-in-law stands up and hands him as well as his close friends cups of milk. The groom usually drinks the milk while being overwhelmed by joy. After drinking the milk, he usually hands his wife’s aunts an amount of money as a gift.

Marking the end of the celebrations, the guests usually stand in a queue where the bride goes out walking to her husband’s house. Such celebrations are usually accompanied by uttering sounds of rejoicing.