Change and Continuity in Marriage Practices in Bacho Woreda, South West Showa, Oromiya National Regional State
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Date
2012-11
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AAU
Abstract
Marriage is an institution that helps for the continuation of generations, however,
through time its form, process and practice changes. Therefore, this study is
mainly conducted on marriage practices with much emphasis on the peasant
communities of Becho Oromo of Becho Wereda. The main objective of the study is
to investigate the change and continuity in marriage practice. To achieve the
objective, data is collected through, informal interview, key informant interview
and observation. The study reveals, the changes observed in marriage practices
today are categorized broadly into three. a) Changes observed as a result of the
modification of (he already existing elements of marriage. b) Changes observed in
the adoption of some new elements of marriage. c) Changes observed due to some
traditional elements of marriage are on the way to extinction. Changes which are
the result of modification of some elements of marriage practice include change
in bride wealth in which in the past, cattle were given for the bride's family.
Nevertheless, nowadays, money is given. In the past, elders were sent to the
bride's family three times. However, today only two times. In the pre- and Derg
regime, the parents select a wife for their boys. Indeed, these times, priority is
given for the boys to select their futu.re wives The feasts prepared for the wedding
day ceremony, marriage between unequals, the amount of bridewealth given and
age at marriage are all these modified in the study area. The changes observed as
a result of the .incorporation of new elements in the already existed marriage
practice is the result of interaction with neighboring areas. In this way that
bridesmaid is introduced to the study community from the near town, Tullubollo.
Abduction and early marriage are the forms of marriage that are on the way to
extinction mainly due to education and an awareness created by the gender office.
However, Kadhaa and Fuudha Gursuma are still widely practiced in the study
community.