Traditional:Meru Culture and Marriage: Customs, and Ceremonies

1.Meru Courtship

The Meru people believe that courtship is a vital aspect of the marriage process. It involves the man showing interest in a woman and expressing his intentions to her family. The man’s family then sends emissaries to the woman’s family to initiate discussions about the potential union. Once the woman’s family agrees to the union, the couple is considered betrothed.

2.Meru Bride Price

The bride price, also known as “ruracio,” is a crucial aspect of the Meru marriage customs. The groom’s family is expected to provide a certain number of cows, goats, or sheep as part of the bride price payment. The number of livestock paid varies depending on the family’s financial capability and the bride’s perceived value.

3.Pre-Wedding Ceremonies

Before the wedding, the Meru people have several pre-wedding ceremonies. One of the essential ceremonies is the “ngurario,” which involves slaughtering a goat or sheep as a sign of appreciation to the ancestors. This ceremony is done by both the bride and the groom’s family.

4.Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is a significant event in the Meru culture. It involves several rituals and ceremonies that differ from one family to another. The groom’s family sends a delegation to the bride’s family to pick her up and take her to the groom’s home. The couple then exchanges vows and rings in front of their families and friends.

5.Post-Wedding Ceremonies

After the wedding, the Meru people have several post-wedding ceremonies. One of the most important ceremonies is the “rukia” ceremony, which involves the bride being escorted to her new home. This ceremony is a symbol of the end of the bride’s childhood and her entry into adulthood.

Pros

• Respectful
• Cultural heritage
• Symbolic
• Community bonding
• Pre-wedding ceremonies
• Family involvement
• Traditional values

Cons

• High cost
• Erosion of cultural values
• Lengthy ceremonies

Modern Meru Marriage Practices Customs, and Ceremonies

1.Courtship

In modern Meru society, courtship has become more informal, with young people meeting and dating without the involvement of their families. However, some families still prefer the traditional approach, and courtship involves the family’s involvement in the process.

2.Dowry and Bride Price

In recent years, the Meru people have seen a shift from the traditional bride price payment to a more modern dowry system. The dowry payment is in cash and is paid to the bride’s family as a sign of appreciation. The amount paid varies depending on the family’s financial capability and the bride’s perceived value.

3.Pre-Wedding Ceremonies

The pre-wedding ceremonies in modern Meru society have also changed, with some families opting to skip some of the traditional ceremonies. However, some families still uphold the traditional pre-wedding ceremonies, including the “ngurario” ceremony.

4.Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony in modern Meru society has also seen changes, with many couples opting for a church wedding or a civil ceremony at the registrar’s office. However, some families still prefer the traditional wedding ceremony that involves several rituals and ceremonies.

5.Post-Wedding Ceremonies

After the wedding, the Meru people have several post-wedding ceremonies. One of the most important ceremonies is the “gwikuma” ceremony, which involves the groom being introduced to the bride’s family. The ceremony signifies the beginning of the couple’s new life together as a family.

6.Challenges Facing Meru Marriage Practices

Despite the rich cultural heritage of the Meru people, their traditional marriage practices face several challenges. One of the significant challenges is the high cost of the bride price or dowry payment, which can be a financial burden for some families. This has led to some families opting for alternative marriage practices, such as cohabitation or elopement.

Another challenge is the erosion of cultural values and practices among the younger generation. With modernization and globalization, some young people have abandoned traditional practices, including courtship and pre-wedding ceremonies, in favor of more Westernized practices.

Pros

• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Simplicity
• Accessibility
• Gender equality
• Individual choice
• Secular options

Cons

• Loss of tradition
• Family disengagement
• Cultural erosion

Meru Culture And Marriage FAQs

1. What is the significance of the bride price or dowry payment in Meru culture? The bride price or dowry payment is a sign of appreciation from the groom’s family to the bride’s family and is a crucial aspect of Meru marriage customs.
2. What is the importance of pre-wedding ceremonies in Meru culture? Pre-wedding ceremonies are essential in Meru culture as they symbolize the joining of the two families and prepare the couple for their wedding day.
3. What challenges do Meru traditional marriage practices face? The high cost of the bride price or dowry payment and the erosion of cultural values among the younger generation are some of the challenges facing Meru traditional marriage practices.
4. What is the importance of the “gwikuma” ceremony in Meru culture? The “gwikuma” ceremony is significant as it signifies the beginning of the couple’s new life together as a family.
5. How can Meru traditional marriage practices be preserved and promoted? Meru traditional marriage practices can be preserved and promoted through education and awareness campaigns to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate their cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Meru culture and marriage have a rich history that is exhibited in their customs, traditions, and ceremonies. Despite the challenges facing traditional Meru marriage practices, the Meru people continue to uphold their cultural heritage.

It is essential to preserve and promote these practices to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate their cultural heritage.