BRIDEWEALTH Meaning and
Definition
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Bridewealth is a term generally used in anthropology and sociology to refer to a traditional practice present in many cultures across the world. It is a form of marriage payment made by the groom or his family to the family of the bride, prior to or upon marriage. This payment is seen as compensation to the bride's family for the loss of their daughter and is often intended to establish a negotiated alliance between the two families.
The specific forms and customs surrounding bridewealth vary widely among different societies, but the practice can typically involve the transfer of goods, livestock, money, or other valuables. The value and nature of bridewealth often reflect the social and economic status of the families involved, as well as cultural and historical traditions.
Bridewealth can serve several purposes, such as establishing the legitimacy of the marriage, cementing social ties between families, and ensuring the economic security and welfare of the bride. It also serves as a form of social recognition and validation of the bride's worth and value within her community.
It is important to note that bridewealth should not be confused with dowry, which is a related but distinct practice where the bride or her family provides goods or money to the groom's family. Bridewealth is commonly found in many African, Asian, and Pacific cultures, while dowry is more prevalent in parts of Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East.
Common Misspellings for BRIDEWEALTH
- vridewealth
- nridewealth
- hridewealth
- gridewealth
- beidewealth
- bdidewealth
- bfidewealth
- btidewealth
- b5idewealth
- b4idewealth
- brudewealth
- brjdewealth
- brkdewealth
- brodewealth
- br9dewealth
- br8dewealth
- brisewealth
- brixewealth
- bricewealth
- brifewealth
Etymology of BRIDEWEALTH
The word "bridewealth" is derived from the combination of two elements: "bride" and "wealth".
- The term "bride" comes from the Old English word "bryd" or "brydel", which originally meant "woman being married" or "bride". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "bruthiz", meaning "daughter-in-law" or "newly married woman".
- The word "wealth" comes from the Old English word "wela", which referred to "well-being", "prosperity", or "abundance". It can be related to the Old English word "wealcan", meaning "to be prosperous" or "to grow rich".
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