Marriage and Traditions: Exploring the Biblical Parallels in African Culture

The marriage customs and traditions described in the Bible are very similar to those still practiced by various African tribes today. These similarities suggest that the traditions of the Israelites, as described in the Bible, have much in common with African culture. These similarities are especially clear in the practices of betrothal, bride price, family involvement, and circumcision. This article explores these connections, focusing on tribes like the Igbo, Akan, Lemba, and Mandinka, and how their traditions match those of the ancient Israelites.

  Biblical Marriage Customs: An Overview

In the Bible, marriage was a very important social institution, often involving several key elements:

1. Betrothal: This was a formal engagement period where the couple was legally considered married, though they did not live together until the wedding ceremony. Betrothal was a binding agreement, often involving a contract and the exchange of a bride price.

   - Biblical Reference: "This is how the birth of Yahshua the Messiah came about: His mother Mariam was pledged to be married to Yosef, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:18). The betrothal was treated as a serious commitment, almost like marriage itself.

2. Bride Price (Mohar): The bride price was a payment made by the groom’s family to the bride’s family. It was an essential part of the marriage process, showing the groom’s commitment and honoring the bride’s family.

    - Biblical Reference: "If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife" (Exodus 22:16). Note that the requirement for marriage was the bride price—there is no mention of a priest or church. The payment of a bride-price was the main requirement for the union to be recognized.

3. Family Approval and Involvement: Marriages were usually arranged by the families of the bride and groom, with their approval being crucial. The union was seen as an alliance between families, not just the joining of two individuals.

   - Biblical Reference: "Then his father and mother replied, 'Isn't there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?' But Samson said to his father, 'Get her for me. She's the right one for me.'" (Judges 14:3). This shows that family approval was a key part of the marriage process.

4. Community Celebration: Marriages were celebrated publicly, often with feasts that could last several days, involving the whole community in the joyous occasion.

   - Biblical Reference: "On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Yahshua’s mother was there, and Yahshua and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding" (John 2:1-2). The wedding at Cana was a large community event, where Yahshua performed His first miracle, turning water into wine. This shows that weddings were public events, with extended celebrations rather than private ceremonies.

  Parallels in African Traditions

Many African tribes continue to observe marriage customs that closely match those described in the Bible. These traditions show that the similarities between the ancient Israelites and African societies are strong and go beyond coincidence.

 1. The Igbo Tribe (Nigeria)

The Igbo people of Nigeria have marriage traditions that are very similar to those of the ancient Israelites:

- Betrothal and Bride Price: In Igbo culture, the betrothal period is formalized with the payment of a bride price, which closely resembles the biblical concept of a bride price. The bride price is a key part of the marriage contract, showing the groom’s commitment to the bride and her family.

  - Biblical Parallel: The bride price tradition in Igbo culture is similar to the biblical command in Exodus 22:16, where the groom is required to pay a bride-price. Note that the requirement for marriage was the bride price—there is no mention of a priest or church. This shows that marriage was established through agreements between families, not through religious ceremonies led by priests.

- Family Approval and Involvement: Marriages among the Igbo are centered on the family, with both families playing a big role in arranging the marriage. This is similar to the biblical tradition where family involvement was important.

 - Biblical Parallel: The involvement of families in Igbo marriages is like the involvement of Samson’s parents in choosing a wife for him, as seen in Judges 14:3. The decision was not just up to the individual but involved the consultation and approval of the family, showing that marriage was a community matter in both cultures.

- Circumcision: The practice of circumcision is also observed among the Igbo, especially as a rite of passage, reflecting the covenant between Yah and Abraham as described in Genesis 17:10-14.

 - Biblical Parallel: Circumcision as a rite of passage matches the covenant of circumcision described in Genesis 17:10-14: "This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised." This practice was a sign of the covenant between Yah and Abraham’s descendants, a tradition that is also found in many African cultures.

 2. The Akan Tribe (Ghana and Ivory Coast)

The Akan people, mainly found in Ghana and Ivory Coast, also have practices that are similar to ancient Israelite customs:

- Bride Price: The Akan practice the payment of a bride price, known as "tiri nsa," as a key part of their marriage traditions. This is similar to the biblical bride price, formalizing the marriage contract between families.

    - Biblical Parallel: The payment of bride-price in Akan culture is like the practice commanded in Exodus 22:16: "He must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife." Again, note that the requirement for marriage was the bride price—there is no mention of a priest or church. The focus is on the agreement between families, where the bride price serves as the formalizing element of the marriage.

- Betrothal Ceremony: The Akan have a betrothal process where the couple is engaged before the actual marriage ceremony. This binding period is like the betrothal customs of ancient Israel.

   - Biblical Parallel: The concept of betrothal in Akan culture is similar to the betrothal of Mariam and Yosef as described in Matthew 1:18: "His mother Mariam was pledged to be married to Yosef." The betrothal was a legally binding period where the couple was recognized as married in all but physical consummation, reflecting a serious commitment similar to the Akan practices.

- Family-Centered Marriages: In Akan culture, marriages are seen as alliances between families, with the elders deeply involved in the negotiation and arrangement of marriages, much like in biblical times.

   - Biblical Parallel: The family involvement in Akan marriages is similar to the involvement of families in biblical marriages, as seen in Judges 14:3: "Then his father and mother replied, 'Isn't there an acceptable woman among your relatives...?'". The central role of the family in marriage negotiations is a strong tradition in both cultures, showing that marriage is not just a union of two individuals but a merger of families.

  3. The Lemba Tribe (Southern Africa)

The Lemba people, mainly found in Zimbabwe and South Africa, have a strong tradition of identifying as descendants of the Israelites. Their customs reflect this belief:

- Circumcision: The Lemba practice circumcision, a tradition they trace back to their Israelite ancestors. This aligns with the command given to the Israelites in the Bible.

- Biblical Parallel: The Lemba’s practice of circumcision aligns with the command given to Abraham in Genesis 17:10-14: "Every male among you shall be circumcised." This practice, as a sign of the covenant, is a critical cultural continuity between the Lemba and ancient Israelite traditions.

- Dietary Laws: The Lemba follow dietary practices similar to the kosher laws observed by Israelites, including the prohibition of eating pork, which aligns with the dietary restrictions in Leviticus 11.

   - Biblical Parallel: The dietary practices of the Lemba are similar to those outlined in Leviticus 11, where certain foods are declared clean or unclean. For example, Leviticus 11:7 states, "And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you." The Lemba’s adherence to such dietary laws shows a deep cultural and religious connection to ancient Israelite customs.

- Marriage Traditions: The Lemba also have a tradition of paying a bride price as part of the marriage process, involving both families in the arrangement, similar to the customs of ancient Israel.

- Biblical Parallel: The payment of a bride price in Lemba culture is like the instructions found in Exodus 22:16: "He must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife." Note that the requirement for marriage was the bride price—there is no mention of a priest or church. The transaction and agreement between families was the key element, not a religious ceremony.

 4. The Mandinka Tribe (West Africa)

The Mandinka, also known as the Mandingo or Malinke, are another West African tribe whose traditions are very similar to those of the ancient Israelites:

- Circumcision: The Mandinka practice circumcision on the 8th day of a child's life, which directly aligns with the command given to Abraham and his descendants in Genesis 17:12: "For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised." This practice shows a deep cultural and spiritual connection with the biblical Israelites.

   - Biblical Parallel: The Mandinka’s practice of 8th-day circumcision directly matches the command in Genesis 17:12: "For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised." This tradition not only reflects the continuity of ancient Israelite practices but also emphasizes the importance of following Yah’s covenant in both cultures.

- Bride Price and Marriage: Similar to other African tribes, the Mandinka emphasize the importance of a bride price in marriage, with the family’s approval being a central part of the process. The bride price formalizes the marriage and establishes a bond between the families, reflecting the customs described in the Bible.

   - Biblical Parallel: The bride price practice in Mandinka culture is similar to the biblical requirement found in Exodus 22:16: "He must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife." Again, note that the requirement for marriage was the bride price—there is no mention of a priest or church. The Mandinka tradition, like that of ancient Israel, focuses on the agreement between families rather than a religious officiation.

  Conclusion

The marriage customs and traditions observed by various African tribes today provide a living connection to the practices described in the Bible. The similarities in betrothal, bride price, family involvement, and rituals such as circumcision show the shared cultural heritage between the ancient Israelites and African societies.

It is important to note that the Bible does not mention any command from Yah that a priest or religious official must officiate over a marriage. Instead, marriage was a family affair, arranged and celebrated within the community. The involvement of families in arranging marriages and the emphasis on the bride price and betrothal, as seen in African cultures, further highlight this point.

These similarities between African customs and biblical practices are beyond coincidence, revealing a rich cultural legacy that continues to thrive across these regions today.