In some nations in Asia and Africa. In most cultures, who “buys” the partner is the bride’s family, but there are also cases where the groom is the one who puts his hand in his pocket. In Thailand, for example, a man’s family must spend at least 24 carats of gold. In China, aspiring husbands exchange jewelry, gold and even pigs for their beloved. And in the Pomo Indian tribes in California, USA, they have to make baskets for the future spouse.
FAIR OF BRIDE
Weird “Prices” on Marriages Around the World.
If you drink, marry yes!
In some Roma peoples in Western Asia, Europe and Latin America, the groom must pay a sum of money… and a bottle of wine or cognac! Other tribes usually put the money inside a loaf of bread, which, according to them, symbolizes God’s gift.
bandit passion
In southern Sudan, the most desirable women can be worth 100 head of cattle! In a poor country like this, this is a big problem. Some grooms who don’t have money to buy cows try to steal them. And there have been politicians accused of diverting public money for the same purpose!
blood debt
In Uganda, the man defines the amount of cows, goats and chickens that the partner is worth. But, according to part of the population that protests against the practice, the dowry makes the woman hostage to her husband in cases of domestic violence, as she can only get divorced if she reimburses the amount.
Indiana Jones bachelor
In India, the custom has been banned since 1961, but remains in vogue. With tragic consequences: according to the BBC, 80% of the debts contracted in banks is to pay the dowry. In the state of Chhattisgarh, the bride’s family pays not with cash, but with nine different species of snake!
– There are 25 thousand snake charmers in the region, specialized in this quest!
SOURCES Listomania books, various authors, and Contemporary Consumption Rituals: A Research Anthology, by Cele C. Otnes and Tina M. Lowrey; BBC, National Geographic, Thai Embassy, eHow, Indian Territorry, Sudan Tribune, Info Please, gypsyweddings.org and gracebiblecs.org websites