In Zambia, specifically among the Bemba people, they have various customs that happen before marriage.
First, there’s a secret counselling for the bride called Bana Chimbusa.
This is followed by Icilanga Mulilo which has the bride’s family taking different dishes to the groom’s family. This is done as a
preview into what the groom will eat when he’s married to their daughter. Then there’s the Ama Shikulo, which is the official merging of the two families.
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Icilanga Mulilo and Amatebeto are traditionally practiced by the Bemba speaking people of Zambia though it has spread to many parts of Zambia. Icilanga Mulilo (literal meaning is “showing of the fire”) is the ceremony that takes place before a couple weds.
The bride-to-be’s family prepares foods and beverage and delivers it to the groom. This is to introduce him to the foods he is li
kely to eat in his new home, and serves as an open invitation to dine with the bride’s family during the courtship. Traditionally a groom is forbidden from eating in the bride’s parents or guardian’s home before this symbolic gesture.
The foods, both exotic and familiar, are presented one by one. And it is explained that these are foods the bride will later prepare in their home.
This occasion, other than being a “showcase” of the bride’s menu, also symbolizes that the groom is responsible for the welfare of his bride from then on. He can now assume the responsibilities of ta
king care of his bride’s financial needs. The bride at this stage is also allowed to start cooking and doing laundry for the groom.
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