Rwanda traditional wedding – 10 things you must know

• Rwanda traditional weddings are vibrant celebrations characterized by music, traditional attire, and symbolic dances, all reflecting the community’s rich culture and heritage. The two families become one family symbolizing unity and mutual respect between the two families.
• These weddings are not just about the couple, but about their entire families, as the wider families are heavily involved in the wedding ceremony. The couple therefore needs to know what the correct traditions are so that they can enjoy the blessing of the elders.

Here are the 10 things you must know about a Rwanda traditional wedding.

10. Parental Consent

• The couple, out of respect for their parents, must seek their consent before the wedding ceremony takes place. This consent is a sign that the parents approve of their union.

9. Two Wedding Ceremonies

• The typical Rwanda wedding usually has two wedding ceremonies. The first one is the traditional wedding ceremony, and the second one is the church or civil ceremony.
• Note that the second wedding ceremony cannot take place until the first one is completed to the satisfaction of the two families.

8. Umushanana (Mushanan, Mushanana)

• Next on the list of 10 things you must know about a Rwanda traditional wedding is that the bride must wear a “mushanan” at her wedding. This traditional wedding dress is made of a silk material matched with a long, wrapped skirt and a sash draped across the shoulder.
• Though all the women at the wedding will be dressed in similar ceremonial attire, the bride’s mushanan must be unique so that she stands out.

7. Traditional Wedding Venue

• The traditional wedding ceremony is held at the bride’s aunt’s house. This aunt, apart from hosting the ceremony, will also introduce the groom to the attendees of the ceremony before the dowry is paid.

6. Dowry (Gukunda Igitabo)

• This is a set of gifts that the groom’s family gives to the bride’s family. These gifts are given to ask for the bride’s hand in marriage and symbolize the ability of the groom’s family to care for their daughter-in-law. Some of the gifts given include money, cows, and blankets.
• If the couple gets divorced, the bride price is returned in full, and the bride is allowed to return to her parents. This shows that brides in Rwandese culture are treated with respect and dignity.

5. Umuranga (Spokesperson)

• The Umuranga or spokesperson, is designated by the groom’s family to represent them during the dowry negotiations. He gathers information about the bride and her family and uses this information in a witty and humorous way during the negotiations as he asks for the bride.
• This spokesperson also engages in antics characteristic of his role when asked questions by the bride’s spokesperson.

4. Ingobyi

• When the bride makes her grand entrance into the wedding venue, she does not walk. Instead, she is carried in a traditional carrier known as an ingobyi.
• This carrier has two handles with which two strong young men carry the bride on their shoulders.

3. Seclusion Ceremony (Gutwikurura)

• Another of the 10 things you must know about a Rwanda traditional wedding is that there is a seclusion ceremony, which is an important aspect of Rwanda’s culture.
• After the wedding, some guests take the bride to her husband’s home, where she is secluded for a period that ranges from one week to one month. During this period, the couple gets to know one another more intimately without external interference from family or friends. The bride also learns about her new family and their customs.
• At the end of the seclusion period, the couple holds a small ceremony to celebrate their new life together.

2. Wedding Venue Arrangement

• At Rwanda weddings, the wedding venue is usually arranged strategically. There are three tents arranged in a U-shape, with two tents opposite each other for both families and a smaller tent in the middle for the couple and their friends.
• The bridal tent is decorated differently from the other tents, with decorative baskets, handcraft, and animal prints.

1. The Introduction Ceremony (Gusaba)

• After the courtship period is over, the couple arranges for the instruction ceremony, where the bride-to-e introduces her future husband to her family and friends. The man’s family also visits the woman’s family to ask for her hand in marriage.
• If the woman’s family agrees to their request, a date for the traditional wedding is set.

These 10 things you must know about a Rwanda traditional wedding highlight the country’s rich culture and emphasis on family relationships and values.