Want an insight into the traditions and rituals of weddings in Tanzania? From food, dance, songs, and gifts to dresses, here’s everything to know before getting married.
Tanzania is an East African country situated just south of the Equator. Per Worldometer, this African nation has a population of close to 70 million (with the outlet reviewing the current population at 69,105,133).
Tanzania is known for its vast wilderness areas. It boasts some of the best national parks in the world. Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino), is one of the most famous and best-loved parks and is home to more than one million species of large mammals. It’s also a World Heritage Site and has also had the honor of being named a 7th-century world wonder. The country also has Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, and Mafia, with a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs.
According to a report, Tanzania has an annual GDP per capita of USD 532 (2011) and a Human Development Index ranking among the lowest 20%, making it one of the poorest 15 nations in the world. Due to that, the living conditions in the country are cheap. Daily life (like sleeping, eating, and getting around) is affordable, and you can take a trip to Tanzania without breaking your purse strings. However, it is quite expensive as costs will rocket the moment you go on a safari or organize a Kilimanjaro climb.
Tanzania is a land of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant traditions. From the bustling streets of Dar es Salaam to the serene shores of Zanzibar, Tanzania is a country rich in heritage and history. One of the most cherished traditions in Tanzanian culture is the celebration of weddings, where families come together to honor love, unity, and commitment. Tanzanian weddings are not just ceremonies; they are grand celebrations that showcase the beauty of the country’s customs and rituals.
What are marriages in Tanzania like?
Marriage customs in Africa vary from one tribe to another. Before colonization, marriages were strictly traditional and depended on the customs, traditions, and beliefs of the people. However, that changed with colonization and the intrusion of Western religion, the Christian marriage (the white wedding), or the Islamic wedding, which is gradually replacing traditional marriage in some African tribes.
Marriage in Tanzania, in the traditional African sense, means building stronger family ties. It goes beyond the union of two people. It is also enriched with traditions and customs. It often incorporates religious customs according to the couple’s faith, grounding the celebration in spiritual significance. In Christian ceremonies, couples typically exchange vows in a church with blessings and sermons led by the clergy, whereas in Islamic marriages, the couple is blessed by elders or leaders.
In Tanzania, weddings are joyous occasions that bring families, friends, and communities together. They are often elaborate affairs that involve extensive planning and preparation.
From the moment a couple decides to tie the knot, the entire process is steeped in tradition and cultural significance. Tanzanian weddings are marked by colorful ceremonies, lively music, and delicious food, making them unforgettable experiences for all involved.
Sections 10(2), 13(1), and 15 of Tanzania’s Law of Marriage Act of 1971 (as amended by Act 23/73, Act 15/80, and Act 9/96) allow men to contract polygamous marriages and permit the marriage of 15-year-old girls, while the minimum age of marriage for boys is 18. A portion of the two sections of the 1971 Marriage Act even allow girls to marry 14 with the permission of a court.
New marriage law in Tanzania was passed years ago, and the policy focus was generally on child marriage rather than forced marriage because Tanzania has one of the highest rates of under-18 marriage in the world. However, Tanzanians over the age of 18 are also coerced by their parents into marriage.
A publication on HuffPost puts anyone who encourages child marriage to a penalty of 30 years in prison. “This ruling is a headway toward solving the problem, but it cannot by itself be the solution to child marriages,” said Hellen-Kijo Bisimba, a women’s rights campaigner and lawyer with the Legal and Human Rights Centre.
The practice of clan exogamy—or marriage outside of the clan or group—is typical of almost all ethnic groups. In some tribes, arranged marriages are a common practice, Tanzanian Weddings reports. However, this is becoming less common as Western influence grows stronger on the continent.
A common element in marriages in Tanzania is the introduction, or “knock door” (as some other tribes may call it). This early stage of marriage custom involves a small ceremony held when the groom and his family visit the bride’s family to officially declare their intentions.
Another common traditional marriage custom in Tanzania is the payment of the bride’s price, or dowry. Over the years, there has been a growing debate on its relevance and legitimacy. This is one dominant tradition that cuts across diverse tribes.
The size of a dowry or bride price (which may come in the form of money or gift items) differs from one tribe to another. Also, some ethnic groups believe payment of the bride’s price is important to show the man’s commitment and as a sign of respect to the bride’s family. Others believe it is a tradition that has lost its relevance for impoverished would-be couples. Others blame it for the inability of low-income earners to get married.
Types of marriages in Tanzania
In Tanzania, there are various types of marriages, each with its own customs and traditions. The most common forms of marriage include:
- Traditional marriage
- Civil marriages
- Religious marriages
Traditional marriages are rooted in Tanzanian culture and involve ceremonies and rituals that have been passed down through generations.
Civil marriages are officiated by government authorities and are legally recognized by the state. A civil marriage is recognized and protected by law in Tanzania. This marriage takes place at the registry and is officiated by a state-authorized registrar. Generally, civil marriages in the country do not take a long time, and couples often complete the ceremony in under 30 minutes.
Religious marriages, on the other hand, are performed according to the customs and beliefs of different faiths, such as Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism.
Of the types of marriages, the traditional is the most common, followed by the civil (also called court registry marriage), and then the religious. In most cases, religious marriage can fall under a civil marriage because, in each case, it involves the agreement of the couple as they sign a contract and, in return, receive marriage certificates.
Traditional wedding ceremony in Tanzania
Proposal
In Tanzanian weddings, the proposal or introduction stage holds significant cultural and traditional importance. It marks the formal request for marriage between the groom and the bride’s family, symbolizing the beginning of the wedding journey. Here’s a brief overview of what one needs to know about the proposal or introduction stage in Tanzanian weddings:
Formal Request
The proposal or introduction stage begins with the groom’s family formally approaching the bride’s family to ask for their daughter’s hand in marriage. This process typically involves a visit to the bride’s family home or a designated meeting place where both families gather to discuss the union.
Before this, the bride might have already introduced her husband-to-be to her family, making him no stranger in their eyes. Probably, they’ve sat down to have a conversation or dinner together. Mostly, this happens after the nearly newlyweds have studied their differences and have now understood or decided if the other will be a good partner or spouse. After this decision, some have their first engagement, where the man will go down on his knees to pop the question.
Bride Price
One of the most important aspects of a traditional Tanzanian wedding is the bride price, also known as “lobola” or “mahari.” This is a payment made by the groom or his family to the bride and her family as a symbol of respect and appreciation.
The bride’s price varies depending on factors such as the social status of the family and the preferences of the bride and groom.
Often, the groom’s family gives a dowry to the bride’s family. Negotiations between the families determine the dowry. The dowry often includes livestock, money, clothing, some beer brewed in the village, etc. If both families reach an agreement on the terms of the marriage, the proposal is accepted, and the engagement is officially announced. The planning of the wedding will take months, and there will be many stages, such as a dowry presentation ceremony, a traditional ceremony, and a church wedding, or Nikkai.
Traditional Wedding Celebration
Following the acceptance of the proposal, both families may celebrate the occasion with traditional rituals, ceremonies, and feasts. This is a joyous time for both families to come together and celebrate the union of their loved ones.
One of the Muslim wedding traditions in Tanzania is the custom that the Tanzanian bride is not permitted to attend the wedding celebration. After excessive beauty preparation, the bride is to remain at home, segregated from the wedding ceremony. Only her family and relatives will attend the wedding celebration. The bride should have never actually met her husband; she has only seen him through her veils, and of course, the groom has never laid eyes on her.
Exchange of Gifts
As part of the proposal or introduction stage, the groom’s family may present gifts to the bride’s family as a token of appreciation for accepting the proposal. These gifts can vary depending on the families’ customs and traditions but often include items such as livestock, clothing, or household goods.
Other practices that take place in a typical Tanzanian traditional wedding include the following:
Shawwal
Most Tanzanian weddings take place on Sundays during the preferred time of year, which is Shawwal, the tenth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. Shawwal means to ‘lift or carry’; so named because female camels normally would be carrying a fetus at this time of year.
Sumo
The Sumo is the closest friend of the mother of the bride, who remains with the bride at all times before the wedding. The sumo will give the bride a full beauty treatment, attending to the bride’s hair, nails, and skin. This includes covering the bride’s body in a thick concoction of lime juice mixed with sugar as an exfoliant to rid the bride’s skin of all hair (only the hair on her head is permitted), as it is considered an impurity to be anything less than smooth. After this, the bride’s hands and feet are intricately decorated with henna, and the hair on her head is covered in oils and set in twists. The bride’s body is also anointed with perfumed oils and her bridal make-up is heavily applied. She is then adorned with jewels, given her veil, and awaits her groom.
Tribal Diversity
Tanzania boasts a tapestry of over 120 ethnic groups, each with its unique traditions and customs. Among the major tribes are the Sukuma, Chagga, Nyamwezi, Hehe, and Zaramo. These tribes, despite their diversity, share a common ground in celebrating the union of two souls.
Religious Harmony
In addition to its tribal diversity, Tanzania is home to various religious communities. Islam, Christianity, and indigenous beliefs coexist harmoniously, a testament to the nation’s inclusive spirit. The intertwining of these religions has given rise to wedding ceremonies that seamlessly blend various customs and practices.
Colonial Influence
Tanzania’s colonial history left an indelible mark on its cultural landscape. The British, Germans, and Arabs played vital roles in shaping the nation. Despite the challenges faced during colonization, Tanzanians emerged resilient and managed to retain the essence of their diverse cultures.
Sukuma Tribe
The Sukuma, the largest ethnic group in Tanzania, has a vibrant wedding tradition. The groom’s family initiates the marriage process, with the bride’s family giving their consent. A unique Sukuma custom involves the groom offering a gift of cattle to the bride’s family, symbolizing prosperity, and commitment.
Chagga Tribe
Hailing from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Chagga people incorporate a colorful dance known as “Ngoma” into their weddings. This lively dance involves rhythmic movements and vibrant attire, reflecting the joyous celebration of love and unity.
Nyamwezi Tribe
The Nyamwezi, residing in central Tanzania, have a charming custom where the bride wears a traditional headpiece made of beads and feathers. This symbolizes her transition from singlehood to marriage, adding a touch of elegance to the ceremony.
Hehe Tribe
The Hehe people, known for their warrior spirit, infuse bravery into their wedding rituals. The groom, accompanied by his fellow warriors, must prove his worthiness by presenting gifts and showcasing his strength in various physical activities.
Zaramo Tribe
The Zaramo, residing along the Tanzanian coast, have a unique pre-wedding ritual called “kupamba.” This involves adorning the bride with intricate henna designs and jewelry, transforming her into a vision of beauty before the wedding festivities commence.
The Maasai
Maasai weddings, a vibrant spectacle in Tanzania’s cultural mosaic, are marked by iconic red attire, intricate beadwork, and symbolic rituals. The ng’oronit, a blessing by the bride’s father involving spitting milk, symbolizes prosperity and fertility. This unique blend of tradition and symbolism makes Maasai weddings a captivating and unforgettable part of Tanzanian celebrations.
Traditional Tanzanian Wedding Attire
Tanzanian wedding attire is a beautiful reflection of the country’s diverse cultures and traditions.
For brides, traditional attire often consists of intricately designed dresses made from colorful fabrics such as kitenge, kanga, or khanga. These dresses are typically adorned with elaborate beadwork, embroidery, and other decorative elements. Grooms, on the other hand, often wear tailored suits or traditional garments such as kanzu or dashiki, paired with a kufi hat or a turban.
The kanzu is the traditional wedding dress for men in the country. During wedding ceremonies, it is customary for the groom to wear a white kanzu and a kofia. Kofia is a brimless cylindrical cap with a flat crown, usually worn by men. Kofia is a Swahili word for hat. The cap can be worn with a chitenge shirt or dashiki. In both Tanzania and Kenya, the groom wears a black or white bish on the kanzu to bring out its beauty.
For the bride, the boubou/kaftan is mostly worn with a headscarf or head tie. At the traditional wedding ceremony, the bride’s kaftan is the same color as the groom’s dashiki.
With huge exposure sprawling across African countries, Tanzania is lately seen embracing the Asian style of India for its traditional wedding attire. This is a sari for the bride, which is traditionally a blend of red and green with golden brocade.
This is in corroboration with the red, green, and white sari choices in Indian culture. Sari fabric is traditionally silk; today, fabrics like crêpe and Georgette are commonly used, with colors like gold, pink, orange, maroon, brown, and yellow as well.
Types of wedding saris include Kanchipuram wedding sari, Banarasi wedding sari, Sambalpuri wedding sari, Assam silk, Gota sari, Resham sari, Zardosi sari, Aithani sari, Bandhani sari, and Neriyathum sari.
The primary essence of wearing the sari in Tanzanian traditional weddings today is its comfort and lightweights. The sari gives the bride an aura of awesomeness when it is adorned with accessories or jewelry to look fabulous.
There are both, cotton and silk fabrics that look gorgeous on saris. Some of the Odissi sari types are Bomkai and Katki. However, the kind of saree that stands out in the crowd is the Sambalpuri silk sari. These are mostly the best-fitted saris for weddings, with their rich design.
At traditional weddings, brides are always seen draping their bridal sari with a kamarband accessory to look perfect for the day.
For the groom, a kurta can be worn. A kurta is a loose collarless shirt worn in many places, including Tanzania, but has its origins in Central Asia. The kurta traditional dress is becoming prevalent as a garment for everyday wear as well as for formal occasions.
The kurta is traditionally made of cotton or silk. It can be worn plain or embroidered with decoration, such as Chilean. It can also be loose or tight in the torso, typically falling either just above or somewhere below the knees of the wearer. Traditional kurtas are made of rectangular pieces, and its side seams are left open at the bottom, up to varying lengths, to enable ease of movement. With a deep sense of magnificence, the kurta can be styled in such a way that the sleeves of a traditional kurta fall to the wrist without narrowing, the ends hemmed but not cuffed. It can be worn on loose shalwars, churidars, or over jeans.
Same-sex and polygamous marriages
Same-sex marriages are illegal in Tanzania. The country prohibits homosexuality and any form of sexual or romantic activity between two people of the same sex. Homosexuals in Tanzania can face severe legal consequences, including life imprisonment, if they are caught.
Tanzania recognizes polygamy, and spouses are allowed to marry multiple partners without facing any legal consequences. Provided that a man marries all his wives legally, they all get to share the rights and benefits provided to married couples in the country. Polygamy is still widely practiced by couples in Tanzania, especially those in rural communities.
Wedding Venues in Tanzania
Tanzania offers a wide range of stunning wedding venues, from luxurious hotels and resorts to scenic outdoor locations.
Just like in Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana, couples can either opt for an indoor wedding venue or an outdoor event. Indoor events occur mostly in confined or enclosed halls, event centers, or hotels with banquet halls. Outdoor events, on the other hand, take place in open spaces. Not as controlled as it’ll be for indoor, outdoor events give room to nature, which can serve as a backdrop to make your wedding as beautiful as you ever thought.
Couples can choose to exchange vows on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, amidst the lush greenery of the Serengeti, or in the historic charm of Stone Town.
Whether you prefer a romantic beachside ceremony or a traditional church wedding, Tanzania has something to suit every couple’s tastes and preferences.
Here are some wedding venues in Tanzania:
- Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam: Located in Dar es Salaam, this luxury hotel offers elegant event spaces and impeccable service for weddings of all sizes.
- Sea Cliff Resort & Spa: Situated in Zanzibar, this beachfront resort provides stunning ocean views and lush gardens, perfect for romantic beach weddings.
- Arusha Serena Hotel: Nestled in the heart of Arusha, this hotel offers beautiful indoor and outdoor venues surrounded by the natural beauty of Tanzania.
- Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel: Located in Dar es Salaam, this prestigious hotel offers exquisite event spaces and world-class amenities for unforgettable weddings.
- Zanzibar Serena Hotel: Set in Stone Town, Zanzibar, this charming hotel features traditional Swahili architecture and picturesque courtyards, ideal for intimate weddings.
- Mount Meru Hotel: Situated in Arusha, this hotel offers versatile event spaces and stunning views of Mount Meru for couples seeking a picturesque wedding backdrop.
- Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro: With its central location in Dar es Salaam, this hotel offers elegant ballrooms and modern amenities for grand weddings.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Dar es Salaam, Oyster Bay: This waterfront hotel in Dar es Salaam boasts contemporary event spaces and personalized service for memorable weddings.
- Slipway Hotel: Located in Dar es Salaam, this boutique hotel offers waterfront venues and a relaxed atmosphere for intimate seaside weddings.
- The Manor Ngorongoro: Situated near the Ngorongoro Crater, this luxurious lodge offers breathtaking views and exclusive event spaces for intimate destination weddings.
Wedding Receptions in Tanzania
In Tanzania, where tribes, traditions, and love converge, your wedding day becomes an unforgettable chapter in a story written against the backdrop of this enchanting nation.
One of these enjoyable moments at weddings in Tanzania is the party time at the reception. Wedding receptions in Tanzania are lively affairs filled with music, dancing, and delicious food.
Guests are treated to a sumptuous feast featuring traditional Tanzanian dishes such as pilau, nyama choma, ugali, and samaki.
Live bands or DJs provide entertainment, keeping the party going late into the night. Tanzanian weddings are known for their festive atmosphere, with guests coming together to celebrate the newlyweds’ union in style.
Wedding Gifts in Tanzania
In Tanzania, it is customary for guests to bring gifts to the wedding as a token of their congratulations and well wishes. Common wedding gifts include household items such as kitchenware, bedding, and appliances, as well as cash or gift vouchers. Some guests may also choose to give traditional gifts such as decorative ornaments, artwork, or jewelry. The most important thing is not the value of the gift but the sentiment behind it, as it symbolizes the love and support of friends and family.
Some of the traditional gifts offered to married couples in Tanzania are:
- Kijomela: The Kijomela is a container used for making local beer. They range from enchanting to horrifying. A honey beer is syrupy like mead. Gongo is a spirit that is prohibited and is referred to as gin. The only resemblance between the beer and the gin is because they are both clear liquors.
- Mpasa: The Mpasa is needed in the harvesting season. A mat that is made from reeds. Its purpose is to dry grains and cereals.
- Lisala: This is a container traditionally used to carry water. It is also a container used to preserve cereals. Then the cereals are stored and saved for the months when there is not much. They are kept secure and safe from pests.
- Chihulu: This is a clay pitcher or pot utilized for fetching water. It can also be used to store local brews. It is very large.
- Chiviga: Chiviga is a clay-cooking pit. They are treasured items. They are different from metal pots in terms of heat and moisture. When you cook in a Chiviga, nutrients are preserved, and the food is tastier. Clay also intermingles with acidic foods such as potatoes, meat, and rice. It makes them sweeter.
- Kibao cha Chapati: You can make chapatti or rolls on this small table. This is sometimes paired with a chigoda. A chigoda is a small, round stool with three legs.
- Litefu: A Litefu is a sleeping mat. A bride who has many friends and neighbors should have a Litefu. This will be used separately for seating or serving food.
Tanzanian Wedding Party Food
Food is a central part of Tanzanian culture, and weddings are no exception. Wedding parties often feature a wide array of delicious dishes that showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage. From savory meats grilled to perfection to flavorful rice pilau and mouthwatering desserts such as mkate wa sinia or kashata, Tanzanian wedding food is a feast for the senses. Guests are treated to a culinary journey that highlights the best of Tanzanian cuisine, leaving them satisfied.
Tanzanian Wedding Favors
As a gesture of appreciation for their presence and support, couples often give out wedding favors to their guests. These can range from small tokens such as personalized keychains, candles, or fridge magnets to more elaborate gifts such as custom-made jewelry or traditional handicrafts. Whatever the choice, wedding favors serve as a memento of the special day and a reminder of the love and joy shared by all.
Honeymoon: The First Night
After the wedding ceremony, the bride patiently awaits her new husband in a bed filled with the petals of fragrant flowers, which the sumo made up for the couple. The groom is expected to pay the sumo with the agreed fees for her services; the sumo then leaves the couple by themselves. Virginity is the bride’s most valuable asset. The groom is expected to take his wife’s virginity, whether she consents to or refuses his advances. If there is no evidence of the bride’s virginity (usually the bed sheet stained with blood is requested), the bride must give back all of her wedding gifts as punishment. However, if the bedsheets are bloodied, she is welcomed into the family with great celebration.
Conclusion
Tanzanian weddings are vibrant celebrations of love, unity, and tradition. From the exchange of vows to the festive reception, each aspect of the wedding is infused with cultural significance and meaning. Whether it’s the colorful attire, the lively music, or the delicious food, Tanzanian weddings are a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of love and togetherness.
