Speaking of the wedding night and consummation of the marriage specifically, the practices of many African nations and tribes would be thought of as downright weird in the West.
Universally, the first night as bride and groom is known for one thing, and one thing only: consummating the marriage.
This special time for newlyweds is thus the perfect time for families, friends, and the couple, themselves, to add the last bit of tradition to the day.
In Tanzania, as in many other African nations and other countries around the world, a bride’s most valuable asset is her virginity, which comes into play more than any other time on the all-important wedding night.
However, for Tanzanian brides, losing their virginity to their new husband may be scarier than it would be for women in other places. This is because until then, she has never even met him- not even at the wedding!
The bride in Tanzania will be dressed up, made up, have her hair done, and look perfect like a doll. But while everyone else parties and feasts and celebrates, she must wait alone at home with one wedding attendant.
The couple has only ever seen each other through her veil. The wedding attendant makes up the couple’s bed while they wait, until he arrives and pays a fee for his bride.
Then, the newlyweds are left alone, and he is expected to take her virginity- whether she consents or not. As with many of these countries, if there is blood, she will be celebrated and welcomed into his family. But what a potentially terrifying night for the bride!
