Traditionally, the Man’s Family Provides More (Bride Price/Bridewealth):
Many African Cultures: Bride price (also called bridewealth) is a common tradition across many African societies. It involves the groom’s family giving gifts of money, livestock, goods, or other valuables to the bride’s family. It’s seen as compensation for the loss of the bride’s labor and a way to strengthen ties between the families. The specific form and amount vary greatly. Examples include, but are not by any means limited to: many communities in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Uganda.
Many Asian Cultures:
China: Traditionally, the groom’s family provided a “bride price” to the bride’s family. The gifts symbolised wealth and prosperity.
India: While dowry (from the bride’s family) is more commonly discussed (and now illegal), there have also been traditions in some communities of bride price, though it’s less prevalent.
Thailand: “Sin Sod” is a payment made by the groom to the bride’s family. It’s seen as a way to show respect and gratitude.
Indonesia: Diverse archipelago with varying customs. Bride price exists in some communities, often involving goods, livestock, or money.
Papua New Guinea: Bride price is a very significant part of marriage customs in many communities, often involving pigs, shells, and other valuables.
Some Middle Eastern Cultures: Historically and, in some areas, continuing today, mahr (dower) in Islamic traditions has sometimes functioned similarly to a bride price. It is a payment or gift from the groom (or his family) to the bride, and it becomes her property. It is important that it’s her property. However, in practice, social pressures sometimes meant families influenced how it was used.
Some Indigenous Cultures of the Americas: While practices varied greatly, some indigenous communities had traditions where the groom or his family provided gifts to the bride’s family.
Some Pacific Island Cultures: Bride price is common in parts of Melanesia (e.g., Vanuatu, Solomon Islands) and Polynesia.
Traditionally, the Woman’s Family Provides More (Dowry):
India: Dowry is the most well-known example. Despite being illegal, the practice of the bride’s family giving substantial gifts of cash, jewelry, land, and household goods to the groom’s family persists in many areas. It’s a deeply ingrained social custom, though it’s increasingly challenged.
Historically in Europe: Dowry was common in many European societies throughout history, especially among the upper classes. It was a way to provide for the daughter’s future and enhance her marriage prospects. This was the case in Ancient Greece, Rome, and through the medieval and early modern periods.
Bangladesh: Dowry, though illegal, is still practiced in some areas, similar to India.
Nepal: Similar to India and Bangladesh, dowry, though illegal, persists in some communities.
Some parts of the Balkans: Historically, dowries were prevalent, and vestiges of the tradition might still be found in some rural areas.
From Gemini Pro 2.0: