Rwanda’s Marriage Traditions
Rwanda’s marriage traditions are a significant aspect of African culture, reflecting the unique traditions and practices of various tribes and ethnic groups. Although similar to many African regions, Rwandan wedding traditions are significant as they connect not only two people but also families and tribes. Incorporating these customs in Rwandan weddings honors the culture and allows modern couples to appreciate their ancestors. Many modern couples in Rwanda choose to incorporate traditional wedding customs into their ceremonies to appreciate their heritage.
What is an African traditional marriage?
In Africa, a traditional marriage unites not just two people but also two families. The parents or elders in the society select the bride and groom in many cultures. It is possible that in many planned weddings, the couple did not even meet before the wedding day. In others, the bride and groom could move in with the groom’s family after getting married.
Is It Legal for Foreigners to Get Married in Rwanda?
Rwanda permits foreigners to marry Rwandan citizens, requiring them to follow the same procedures as locals. Both foreign and Rwandan spouses share equal rights and responsibilities. To marry in Rwanda, foreigners must obtain a certificat de capacité matrimoniale from their embassy or consulate and submit it, along with their passport, birth certificate, and proof of residency (like a work permit or student visa), to the Rwandan Ministry of Justice.
Rwanda’s Marriage Traditions
Marriage is viewed as the fundamental social institution in Rwanda, with a shift towards couples choosing their own mates, though family approval remains important. Traditionally, parents were heavily involved in helping their children select or approve their partners.
Parents and family members play a crucial role in Rwandan marriage culture, driven by a desire to ensure safety and stability for their children. They often conduct background checks on the potential spouse’s family. Rwandan marriage rituals consist of three main ceremonies: traditional, civil, and religious, which include specific practices such as ‘Gufata irembo’, ‘Gusaba’, ‘gutwikurura’, and ‘guca mw’irembo’.
Courtship (‘Gufata irembo’) in Rwanda’s Marriage Traditions
‘Gufata irembo’ is the traditional Rwandan process of finding a spouse that involves both families meeting to assess compatibility. This event includes cultural rituals and negotiations regarding the bride price, facilitated by representatives from both the groom’s and bride’s families.
The Introduction Ceremony (Gusaba)
The introduction ceremony, known as Gusaba, follows courtship and allows the bride-to-be to introduce her future husband to her family and friends. During this event, the man’s family visits the woman’s family to formally ask for her hand in marriage. If her family consents, a date for the traditional wedding ceremony, called gutwikurura, is established.
In Rwandan tradition, every family designates a spokesperson for negotiation during introduction ceremonies. This negotiator, drawing on experience and traditional methods, responds to questions from the bride’s side. Historically, only family members served in this role, but this cultural practice is now fading, with many opting to hire representatives instead.
Dowry (‘gukunda igitabo) in Rwanda’s Marriage Traditions
Dowry, or ‘gukunda igitabo,’ is a significant part of traditional Rwandan weddings involving gifts from the groom’s family to the bride’s family. These gifts, which may consist of cows, blankets, and money, are presented as a token of the groom’s family’s capability to support the bride after marriage.
In Rwanda, the bride price is an important cultural practice, with the expectation that it is returned if a couple divorces. This custom is designed to ensure that brides are treated with respect and dignity, allowing them to return to their families if mistreated. The payment of dowry remains prevalent across many regions of the country.
The Wedding (Ubukwe)
In Rwanda’s marriage traditions, the wedding, or ubaukwe, is the most significant occasion. While the groom is dressed in a suit, the bride is dressed in a beautiful white gown and veil. The marriage ceremony is performed by a priest who also bestows a blessing on the couple.
The reception (Umusaro)
In Rwandan marriage culture, the reception, or umusaro, is the last occasion. The couple formally becomes husband and wife at this point. The reception is typically hosted at the guests’ and groom’s family’s house. At the wedding reception, they present the newlyweds with a traditional Rwandan wedding cake, which is prepared with cornmeal and honey. After being sliced into little pieces, the guests are given the cake.
Additionally, there will be speeches, dancing, and music at the reception. Every attendee gives best wishes to the newlyweds and their families. After the celebration, which typically lasts for many hours, everyone bids the newlyweds farewell as they begin their new life together.
Seclusion Ceremony (Gutwikurura)
After the reception party, some guests accompany the couple to their new home for a gutwikurura (seclusion) ceremony, a significant tradition in Rwandan marriage culture. The bride is secluded for one week to one month, allowing the newlyweds to bond privately and for the bride to learn about her new family’s customs. This period concludes with a small ceremony to celebrate their new life together.
Other Rwandan Marriage Rituals
Following Rwanda’s marriage traditions, in the past, wedding guests would wait for the couple to consummate their marriage to verify the bride’s virginity. Other rituals included the groom’s aunt cutting a piece of the bride’s hair to signify ownership, a young bridesmaid being assigned to assist the bride as a symbolic little sister, and an aunt or godmother placing a mosquito net over the couple to represent their union.