TRADITIONAL AFRICAN WEDDING CUSTOMS EXPLAINED In Africa, marriage is more than a bond between two individuals—it is the union of families, clans, and communities. Traditional wedding customs vary across cultures, but they share a common thread: they emphasize respect, responsibility, identity, and heritage. Unlike Western-style ceremonies that focus on the couple alone, African weddings serve as community events that honor ancestors, affirm cultural values, and strengthen social ties. COMMON TRADITIONS 1. Bride Price / Dowry (Lobola) Known as lobola in Southern Africa, bride price in East Africa, and ikong nko among some West African groups, this is a payment made by the groom’s family to the bride’s family. It is not about “buying” a wife—it is a symbol of respect, responsibility, and appreciation. It acknowledges the role of the bride’s family in raising her and strengthens ties between both families. 2. Libation & Ancestral Blessings Before the union, elders often pour libation—...