Zimbabwe Wedding Customs
Home | Roora | Roora continued | Historical Context | Religion








How Roora is determined

First, you must choose a munyai, a messenger, whom will tell the news to the family of the bride-to-be.  The munyai is usually either a relative or a close friend.  Although doing this may be somewhat bizarre, it is a historical necesity.  The munyai will approach the village at a safe distance away and call out "Matsvakirai kuno!" meaning "Look, here she is!"  It is a custom for the villagers who hear this to chase away the munyaiand attempt to beat him with whips.  After a while, the munyai will be allowed to return to the village without the fear of getting whipped.  The elders of the family will meet to determine at what level the roora should be set.  Beer is then brewed and shared to formalise the settlement.  After that is all settled, the munyai will then return with the terms of the groom-to-be.  In Zimbabwe, cattle is all a man has to offer.  The cattle pull the ploughs, fertilize fields, and give a man security.  It is not so surprising to see a man give away his cattle for the function of roora.  It is not necessary for the groom-to-be to provide the catle immediately, other gifts are exchanged and delivered by the son-in-law.  The completion of roora will most likely take a few years.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A man and his cattle)