Zambian weddings

Weddings in Zambia are always a highly detailed affair. A lot of things have to taken into account such as negotiations of bride price, kitchen parties also know as hen parties, matebeto and the wedding party.

Traditions and customs have to be taken into consideration before any preparations. The highlight of any Zambian wedding is the wedding dance performed by the bridal party. I am getting married in December this year and there is alot pressure on my partner and I to learn how dance for our entrance at the wedding reception. We both can not dance to Rhumba songs so we have to go for lessons. The bridal party are also under pressure to perform the dance because all eyes will be on them as well.

Zambia has unique wedding and honeymoon locations in the world. Couples can enjoy visits at places such as Tongabezi where they can enjoy activities like boat trips to the Victoria Falls, Island lunch, Sanpan floating candlelit, museum visits and many more.

credit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e0qmDz58cg

credit image:http://www.tongabezi.com/gallery/tonga-180.jp

globalization

 Many years ago, in Zambian culture, a woman was expected to repect and follow her traditions strictly if she was to live happily in society and in marriage. Culture had traditions which were passed on from generation to another.

Traditionally, boys were told that they were the owners of the home. A family of girls was not recognised as such. a woman who gave birth to a girl was disadvantaged, as this would give rise to marital problems from both the husband and his relatives. In families where there was little money, the father would rather give a boy child a chance of education than a girl, reason being that she would get married and the husband would take care of her.

Since globalization, Zambians have redefined themselves. The global culture of education and the consumption of western products have all affected culture and religion in Zambia. People are confronted with modern goods and ideas. Access to media and use of modern communication such as mobile phones and internet particularly in town has made life easier.

The men and women who have had the benefit of formal education and have good paying jobs are able to buy modern products, and try live a western lifesytle. A well educated Zambian woman can enjoy western way of life and at the same time participate in tradition initiation rites. In rural areas too, the way of life has changed as well because they are under pressure from external alternatives to survive urban evironment.