A Gabra wedding: How pastoralist community has upheld tradition for years

Imagine over 200 weddings taking place on the same day, time, and region, all following a series of events and rituals done in the same way.

This is what characterizes a Gabra traditional wedding.

Even with the onset of modernization and civilization, the Gabra, a pastoralist community living in Northern Kenya bordering Ethiopia to the South have been known to hold on to their cultural practices for the longest time now.

Marriage can be said to be the most important rite among the various cultural practices of the Gabra. Marking the transition of an individual into a respected member of the society, this cultural practice comes with its own sense of uniqueness.

Thinking of having a wedding in December? Not for the Gabra. Traditional weddings occur only three times a year, during the camel months “Somder Qara, Somder ege and Yaaqa.” These months are considered holy and are preserved for the most important traditions and events.

A traditional Gabra marriage consists of a series of detailed events that can span over a period of one month.

The process commences with arrangements and negotiations.

This was in the older days, and in some cases today, it was done without the knowledge of the soon-to-be married individuals.

Afterwards, the groom’s family and friends camp at the bride’s home a month or a few weeks before the wedding, depending on the moon sighting.

Prayers, blessings, and sacrifices are made during this period in anticipation of the wedding day.

On the actual day of the wedding, the bride’s father shaves the crown of her head and sends her to tend to the camels.

Later in the day, the groom’s hair is shaved, and accompanied by a few married individuals, he pours milk to appease the ancestors. Women assist in setting up the couple's new house, “Man dhasse” which is a typically dome-shaped hut made with sticks and covered with clothing. 

The final steps involve the couple moving into their new home.

This is usually done at dawn. The groom, his peers, and male relatives spend the night outside singing traditional songs while awaiting the bride’s arrival.

The bride at dawn is dressed in her traditional regalia, advised by her father, and then sent forth to her new home accompanied by women.

Upon the bride’s arrival, the groom requests camels from relatives.

Once this is completed, blessings are given, and the couple, led by the groom, move into their new home.