Checkout 5 traditional reasons for collecting bride price

Bride price is a traditional practice in which the groom or his family pays money or property to the bride or her family. Many people believe it means the bride is being sold while some insist it is tradition. Here are five traditional reasons for collecting bride price:

Symbol of love: In some cultures, bride price is seen as a symbol of love and respect for the bride and her family.

Establishing a new household: In some cultures, the bride price is used by the bride to help establish the new household.

Inheritance and lineage: Bride price is important for inheritance and determining the lineage of any children of the marriage. If a husband dies, it allows a wife to prove in court that they were officially married.

Pleasantry being exchanged: Initially, bride price was more like a pleasantry being exchanged between the husband and wife’s families.

Honoring the wife: Supporters of the bride price tradition believe that it underscores the value of a wife. However, critics argue that it puts a monetary value on women and can lead to commodification and ill-treatment.