Brides are part of the social universe in traditional African culture. "They were seen as an important link between the ancestors and the unborn," says Sulayman Nyang, director of African Studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C. "A woman who is entering matrimony is in a powerful position, because she can be the mother of a chief or a warrior. That is why the Zulus of South African call the mother "the big house."

The Gabra Nomads of Northern Kenya say that "a man without a wife is a man without a house." The creation of the new house is significant to their wedding rituals. After a wedding date is set - based upon a favorable lunar date - the groom's family literally move its house to the bride's village and rebuilds it there.

In Ghana, the Asante male who is interested in a woman must "knock on the door." That means his mother and mother's brother will go to the girl's family and propose marriage.

Another element to consider when reviewing African culture is polygamy. Polygamy is widely accepted as a lifestyle in Africa.

And, because Africa is so diverse, specific wedding rituals vary from region to region. There are over 1,000 ethnic groups in Africa. Additionally, many Africans have Islamic and Christian influences that play a role in wedding ceremonies.

Once the families agree on the couple's suitability, the groom's family brings gifts to the bride's family as a symbol of their appreciation and acceptance. Cattle is a common gift among the Nyaweziz in East Africa and the Fulanis in West Africa.

The bride also undergoes a "rite of passage." "This is a time when she will be initiated by the musukebba (female elders)" Nyang says. "These women tell her what to expect and help orient her about the realities of married life."

Among the Mande people it is common for young girls between the ages of 12 and 18 to attend clitoridectomy (circumcision) schools to learn the art of being a wife. During this time, they learn secret codes and languages to help them communicate with other married women, should the need arise.

Before the wedding takes place, there is the "Loading of the Bride" or the (Epp). This Wolof practice is the process whereby the elders of the village assemble with the bride to offer advice and bring gifts.

The ceremony itself can be very simple or quite lavish, depending on the family's wealth. If the family is poor, it is likely to be at home and very simple with just the couple, their families and the religious leader. More expensive weddings would involve the entire community with lots of food and dance. The couple will celebrate several weeks after consummating their marriage. This, in a broad sense, is the traditional style of wedding for these cultures.

Today, in general, African wedding customs are changing. "Some couples are going as far as to "court" themselves," says Peter Pipim, education specialist at the Smithsonian's African American Museum in Washington, D.C. "In some cases, couples become husband wife through a situation similar to our common law arrangement."

Mr. Pipin attributes this to overpopulation and western influences.

"Old and new weddings and customs are changing...adjusting," agrees Nyang.

*Reprinted from Brides Today magazine