The Zambian traditional marriage teachings borrow a lot from the rest of Africa, but are special in some way. The customary significance of being married gives some respect to married men and women in society. Ideally, Zambian customs take bride price-paying seriously, like any other African society. In traditional Zambian marriage, certain expectations and roles are assigned to the husband and wife. The husband is the provider for the family and the key decision maker of the household.
A Zambian wife’s role is managing the household, bearing and raising children, and supporting the husband in his endeavours. Notably, traditional marriage practices in Zambia, like in many other countries, vary among different cultural groups. But the tenets of what matters most bind them to date.
Zambian traditional marriage. Photo by Bear Valley Bible Institute
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What is the Purpose of Marriage in Zambian Tradition?
In traditional Zambian society, marriage serves several purposes. It is a means of establishing a family and perpetuating the family line. Further, it is also a way of solidifying social and economic ties between families. This is why the dowry paid by the groom’s family to the bride’s family is often seen as a sign of the groom’s family’s wealth and status. Dowry is typically paid in the form of money, livestock, or other valuable goods. The marriage ceremony goes down in the bride’s village, and a traditional leader or elder officiates it.
Traditional dances, music, rituals and a feast decorate a Zambian traditional wedding. Zambian traditional marriage teachings suggest that the union is a way of demonstrating a couple’s commitment to each other and to their community. In traditional Zambian society, marriage is a serious and lifelong commitment. You are expected to remain faithful to your partner and work together to build a strong and harmonious relationship.
What is Zambian Traditional Marriage Like?
Zambian traditional marriage teachings vary among different cultures and societies. In general, however, traditional marriage is a social institution in which two people are joined together in a legally recognised partnership to establish a family and build a long-term, committed relationship. Marriage in Zambia captures the need to solidify social and economic ties between families. Besides, it is also a medium to establish a family and continue its lineage. In many African cultures, it is a way of demonstrating a couple’s commitment to each other and their community.
Such a union is characterised by certain expectations and roles for the husband and wife. The husband is often expected to provide for the family financially and make crucial decisions for his family. As such, the wife is traditionally expected to manage the household, bear and raise children, and support her husband’s dreams in life.
Zambian traditional wedding ceremony. Photo by Shutterstock
What Does the Zambian Constitution Say About Marriage?
The Zambian Constitution recognises the right to marry and have a family as a fundamental human right. It states that “every person has the right to marry a person of the opposite sex, and to found a family.” And that “marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.”
In amplifying Zambian traditional marriage teachings, the Constitution also prohibits discrimination. It remains a crime to discriminate a Zambian based on s3x, race, ethnicity, religion, or social status regarding marriage.
“No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of their rights on the grounds of race, tribe, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or s3x,” it states. Moreover, “no law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect.”
In addition, the Constitution guarantees the right to equal protection under the law and the right to non-discrimination. All persons are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection and equal benefit of the law.
What are the Elements of Traditional Marriage?
Traditional marriage is monogamous for some African communities. For others, though, polygamy is part of the customs. In a nutshell, the following aspects guide the African marriage customs.
- Monogamy
- Legal recognition
- Commitment
- Communication
- Companionship
- Intimacy
Zambian traditional marriage teachings are nothing complicated, but call for resoluteness for the parties involved. This means a man must meet his roles as a provider and head of his famil,y while the wife plays a crucial role in keeping his family together.
