ZULU WEDDINGS

Zulu weddings are characterised by vibrant colour, music and dancing.

LOBOLA

In Zulu culture there are some important rituals.
The first is Lobola. It is a process, one is not expected to pay Lobola in one day.

LOBOLA CUSTOM

• It is a very important practice in Zulu culture.
• The negotiation of lobola can be long and complex.
• It involves many members of the bride's and the groom's families.
• A customary marriage is valid in South Africa once agreement has been reached on lobola.
• 10 cows is the minimum amount for a bride in Zulu culture.

THE LOBOLA AMOUNT

• Today negotiations involve agreeing a price for one cow then multiplying that by the number of cows the bride is said to be worth.
• E.g., Nelson Mandela paid 60 cows for his wife, Graçia Machel.
• The wedding date is set once Lobola is agreed and all cows are paid.
• The bride's family take cows home and start the wedding preparations

IZIBIZO

UMBONDO

UMABO

UMABO

• The traditional ceremony
• Usually takes place after the White Wedding (even years after).
• However, not regarded as being married in Zulu culture until Umabo has taken place.
• Believe will face difficulties such as conceiving children, bad relationships with in-laws if do not have Umabo.

THE PROCESS OF UMABO

• The bride's family buy gifts that she will give her in-laws after the weddings: blankets, Zulu mats, pots, furniture.
• Before the wedding, even white wedding, the bride's family slaughter a goat for her and burn some incense.
• The goat is slaughtered after the head of the family tells ancestors that their daughter is going to be a member of another family. He wants them to protect her.

UKUCIMELA:
RELATIVES GIVE THE BRIDE GIFTS TO WISH HER A HAPPY WEDDING. THEY ADVISE HER TO BE A GOOD WIFE.

WEDDING PREPARATIONS

• Umabo takes place at the groom's family home.
• The groom buys two cows to slaughter on the day of the ceremony.
• He also buys a goat that will be slaughtered to welcome the bride.
• The groom's family prepare the food and sorghum beer for the special day.

WEDDING DAY

• Bride's mother gives her a blanket to cover her body when she is leaving.
• Her father will lead her to the kraal.
• From here they go straight to the groom's residence, advising the bride not to look back.

WEDDING OUTFITS

THE GROOM WEARS:

• Skin buttock covering worn by the man (Ibheshu).
• A leather piece covering the front part (Isinene).
• A covering over the shoulders (Isembatho).
• Wrist covers (Izingusha).
• Hair cover (Iklolode).
• Ankle covers (Amadavathi).

THE BRIDE WEARS:

• Leather skirt worn by married women (Isidwaba)
• Skin to cover chest (Isicwaya)
• A cover for her head (Inkehli)
• Beaded jewellery is the language of love in Zulu culture
• They wear a beaded veil.

The couple will go to an open place to perform their wedding and dance. Then they will go home to eat. The bride will give her in- laws the gifts and the groom's family will give the bride outfit she will wear as she enters the kitchen.

The wedding brings two families together. It builds a relationship that no one can separate because it involves the ancestors. The groom's family take the cow's bile to the bride which ensures she now belongs to the groom.

WEDDING SONG

POPULAR WEDDING SONGS

• Hamba Lulu (www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH1rxHy1gAs)
• Baba Nomama (www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNqlfdzyjko)
• Hugh Masekela - Zulu Wedding

NGIYABONGA