Wedding Traditions in Rwanda – 12 Interesting Facts!

Weddings in Rwanda are very important occasions, as they symbolize the unifying of two families. In addition, the welfare of the two young people being joined in marriage is the responsibility of the community who brought them up. As such, it is crucial for any couple intending to get married to know what the wedding traditions in Rwanda are, so that they follow them to the letter!

12. Agashingura Cumu

• This symbolic drink is given to all the guests at the end of the wedding ceremony. Agashingura Cumu literally means ‘that which pulls out the spear’. In the past men would plant spears at the gate of a homestead where they were visiting, and would be offered this drink to give them strength to pull them out as they departed. After partaking of this drink, both the groom’s and bride’s family leave for their homes, leaving the newlyweds alone to start their new life together.

11. Bridal preparations

• Before the wedding day, the bride must go through a preparation period called Gutinyisha to make sure she looks her best on her big day. The young lady spends some time in seclusion at an aunt’s house, where she undergoes intensive beauty treatments. One of the treatments includes application of perfumed cow-ghee containing special herbs to make her skin glow. During this period, her aunt counsels her on how to take care of her husband and future family.

10. Impamba

• After the entire wedding ceremony is over and the groom’s family is ready to leave, the host offers them a drink called Impamba. This drink is given to quench their thirst while on the long journey home. Sometimes the groom’s family may be offered a meal if they have travelled a long distance to the bride’s home.

9. Dowry

• The standard dowry payment consists of a cow, or several cows. The cow acts as a symbol of compensation to the bride’s family for the loss of their daughter. After the payment of dowry, the bridal procession moves towards the groom’s side, accompanied by women carrying gourds of milk for the groom’s family.

8. Umaranga

• According the wedding traditions in Rwanda, each family must choose a representative to speak at the ceremony. The representative of the groom’s family is called the Umaranga. The Umaranga researches on the lady that the young man intends to marry, focusing on her ancestry and the conduct of her relatives. He also asks for the bride at the Gusaba (Kinyarwanda for ‘to ask’) ceremony.

7. Arrangement of the wedding venue

• The tents are arranged strategically at the wedding venue. There are usually three tents arranged in a U-shape, with two tents facing each other. Each family sits in each of these tents, giving them an opportunity to look across and see how the other family looks. The smaller tent in the middle of the two bigger tents is for the couple and their friends. As expected, the bridal tent has animal print designs, as well as decorative baskets and other handicrafts.

6. Ingobyi

• The bride, being the most important part of this celebration, is transported into the wedding venue in a traditional carrier called Ingobyi. This carrier has two handles that are placed on the shoulders of two young men. What a majestic entrance she makes!

5. Bridal entourage

• Does the bride walk into the venue on her own? Certainly not. She is accompanied by four male guards with spears, four friends, another friend who is a mother, and two young girls. Her entry into the venue is a sight to behold.

4. Venue of the traditional wedding ceremony

• According to wedding traditions in Rwanda, the traditional ceremony is always held at an aunt’s residence – an aunt of the bride. Interestingly, this same aunt introduces the groom to the congregation before the presentation of dowry.

3. Mushanan

• Have you heard of the Mushanan? It is a traditional form of dress for Rwandese brides and women in general. The Mushanan for the traditional wedding consists of silk material matched with a long wrap skirt and a sash covering the shoulder. Though many of the female guests will have the same kind of dress, the bride’s mushanan always stands out.

2. Two wedding ceremonies

• In Rwanda, every couple goes through two wedding ceremonies, i.e. the traditional wedding, and then the civil or church ceremony. The civil or church wedding cannot take place until the traditional wedding is complete.

1. Consent from parents

• The bride and groom must consult their family before they get married, and wait to receive consent before they plan for the wedding. Consent from the parents signifies their approval, while waiting to receive this consent is a sign of respect.

Wedding traditions In Rwanda are both colorful and symbolic.  It would not be a bad idea to incorporate some of them in your wedding, as this may be the only time you get both families together to enjoy each other’s company!