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Dowry
In certain cultures and societies around the world, it is customary for women to pay dowries to their husbands or their husbands families as part of marriage traditions.
This practice contrasts with more commonly known customs where the groom or his family pays a dowry or bride price to the brides family.
Below are the five countries where women pay husbands dowry:
India is one of the countries that practices this culture for a long time. When a woman is set to marry, the brides family provides gifts or money to the grooms family as a dowry.
Kenya
In some communities in Western Kenya, such as Luhya, there are variations in dowry customs where the brides family contributes items or money to the grooms family.
During their traditional wedding, the bride is expected to hand over the dowry to her husbands father, which can be in cash or kind.
In Rwanda, the tradition of Gusaba involves the bride offering a dowry to the grooms father during the marriage negotiations.
It is a ceremonial process where the brides family formally requests the grooms family for his hand in marriage and presents the dowry as a sign of respect and appreciation.
The dowry may include items such as livestock, clothing and household goods. It reflects the brides readiness for marriage and her familys acknowledgment of the grooms family.
Among the Bamileke and Beti ethnic groups, the dowry system often involves the bride providing gifts or money to the grooms family.
The dowry may vary in form, including livestock, money, clothing, or other valuable items.
It serves as a symbol of respect and gratitude from the brides family to the grooms family for accepting her into their household.
The amount can depend on various factors such as the social status of the families and the perceived value of the bride.
Mauritania
In traditional Mauritanian society, the dowry, known as mahr, is typically provided by the bride to the groom or his family.
The mahr could include money, jewelry or other valuable assets. It is meant to serve as financial security for the bride and demonstrates the grooms commitment to support her. (Nigerian Tribune)
