What Is a Wedding Dowry?
Here's everything you need to know about a traditional dowry. Discover more cultural marriage customs on 90 Day Fiance, Sundays at 8/7c!
TLC
On this season of 90 Day Fiance, Greg paid a symbolic sum of $3,000 in livestock to Joan’s family to have her hand in marriage. To celebrate, he shared the news with Joan while wearing an inflatable cow suit.
The topic of a dowry has come up in previous seasons as well, with David and Annie sharing their own dowry agreement. You’ve certainly heard the term dowry, but you may equate it to something of the past. However, they still exist in various cultures to this day.
TLC
Joan praising Greg's dowry payment on 90 Day Fiance Season 11.
So, What Is a Dowry?
A dowry is typically a "payment" of some sort, usually in the form of livestock, land, jewelry, or gift of significant value. In some cultures, the bride’s family gifts the groom and in some cultures, the groom provides a gift to the bride’s family. It is not a payment for the bride, but rather a gift.
What Is the History?
The dowry started in ancient times, written into the ancient laws of Babylon and later making its way to Greece around 5 BC. It became popular in Ancient Rome and eventually Medieval Europe. It faded out of popularity in Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries, but remains a fairly common practice in some parts of the world, including South Asia and several Middle Eastern and North African countries.
Do Dowries Still Exist Today?
Yes, they may be less common than in ancient Rome where a dowry was given to the groom from the bride’s family to help with living expenses. They still exist in many countries and cultures in different forms or fashions.
What’s an Example of a Modern-Day Dowry?
Alicia Mae, founder and event producer at ILE events, plans many Nigerian weddings, primarily from the Yoruba tribe.
"Modern day dowries have replaced some of the traditional list of items with symbols of that item; for instance, instead of having an actual livestock of a goat; they may have a statue of a goat or serve goat as one of the dishes during the traditional ceremony," says Mae, noting that the dowry ceremony takes place prior to the marriage ceremony.
"Also, as this is typically presented at the home of the bride's parents, in America, a table is created at the venue to display the dowry instead."
In this case, the groom's family usually leads the charge. In Thai culture, the groom gives the bride’s family a "Sin Sod" or dowry in order to show their financial stability and support.
On Season 5, David paid 450,000 baht over time plus two water buffalo for Annie's dowry. In Hindu culture, the bride’s family typically gives a dowry to the groom.
TLC
David & Annie on 90 Day Fiance Season 5.
All in all, the dowry is a deeply valued tradition that establishes connection and respect between the two families.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
