Is Handing Over The Bride A Requirement In A Customary Marriage?

In the rich tapestry of South African customary marriages, the tradition of “handing over the bride” stands out as a significant rite. But how does this practice actually take place?

Post the ceremonial festivities, the bride is formally “handed over” to the groom’s family. This ceremonial gesture typically happens at the groom’s residence. Here, the bride is not just introduced but is warmly embraced and counselled by the groom’s family, marking her integration into their fold.

An integral part of this tradition involves the slaughtering of an animal. This act is more than a feast; it symbolizes the union and merging of two families, celebrating their shared journey ahead.

This “handing over” isn’t merely a formality. It’s an emblematic act that marks the inception of the marital relationship between the bride and groom. More than that, it cements the bond, intertwining the destinies of both their families.