The bride-price is a social variable that is relevant for the study of inheritance, gender, and status, as well as for the analysis of general cultural change. It can also shed light on the negotiation tactics employed by the bride’s group, and may be a useful indicator of the status of women. Although the bride-price may differ from one region to another, it is typically a persistent, high-level measure of social stratification.
In Chinese culture, Ti Qin, or marriage proposal, occurs a few weeks before the wedding. During the rites, the families of both bride and groom meet and discuss the bride price. On the day of the wedding, the bride’s family returns the bride price, which is considered dowry. The groom and the matchmaker also visit the bride’s family and give gifts. The bride’s family returns the bride price as dowry, a traditional custom.
The Lobola is traditionally paid in cattle, the primary source of wealth for most African societies. However, most modern urban couples have replaced the Lobola payment with cash. This practice has many negative unintended consequences. It creates a financial barrier for young men looking to take a bride. Without the Lobola, even emotionally ready couples may choose to stay unmarried. Many consider the Lobola a waste of money and an unnecessary expense in society.
The word “bride” appears in many contexts. It may refer to the bridegroom, a man newly married to the bride, or the bride’s wedding breakfast. Its origin is the Latin word “bride-ale”, which meant “bride” and “bridecake.” The word “bride” is a general descriptive adjective that has remained relevant throughout history. The term “bridecake” also has roots in the Roman confarreatio, a wedding ceremony during which young girls would gather outside the church and throw wheat over the bride. Wheat grains were then cooked into thin, dry biscuits and broken over the bride’s head.
In medieval times, the bride’s party included maids and attendants, who performed many duties for the bride. The maid of honor was the bride’s sister. In modern times, the bride can choose a male friend or a brother as her chief attendant instead. However, in ancient times, a maid of honor had an important role in marriage. These women had the same important duties as the bride, but were more likely to be seen as a woman’s best friend.
A woman’s wedding day celebration is incomplete without her bridesmaids. A bridesmaid, or “maid of honor,” serves as a woman’s closest friends. In ancient times, the bridesmaids were selected from a circle of unmarried, young women. A bride’s retinue’s size corresponded with the social status of the bride’s family. If the bride’s family was wealthy, it was customary for the bridal party to include a large group of bridesmaids.
Today, a bride’s veil is a modern version of the Greek flammeum. This veil completely covered the bride during the wedding ceremony. The groom then removed the garter during the reception. The groom will then hand the bride’s bouquet over his shoulder to be passed to the next couple to be married. The bride’s veil is a modern version of the ancient Greek flammum, worn by brides of ancient Greece and Rome during the ceremony.