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KIKUYU COMMUNITY OF KENYA TRADITIONS

 some of the most fascinating in the world. They have enriched the country through social, economic, political and cultural activities, each with their own unique stories. Today, 44 communities are officially recognized by the government, and are classified into three linguistic groups: the Bantu, the Nilotic and the Cushitic speakers. The National Museums of Kenya holds objects telling the stories of the communities, which represent the country's ethnic diversity and vibrant cultures. In as much as some of these cultural practices are still embraced today, visitors, traders and missionaries who visited East Africa as from the 18th century, and formal education, have gradually influenced the culture and religion of the people of Kenya today. This exhibit celebrates the country’s rich heritage through the Kikuyu community

 

A look into the history and culture of the Kikuyu

The Kikuyu (also known as Agikuyu) are a central Bantu community. They share common ancestry with the Embu, Kamba, Tharaka, Meru and Mbeere. Traditionally they inhabited the area around Mount Kenya, including the following counties: Murang’a, Nyeri, Kiambuu, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga and Nakuru. They are among the Kenyan communities that championed the struggle for Kenya’s independence through the Mau Mau movement and the Kikuyu Central Association (KCA). Notable members of the Kikuyu community include: freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi; the first president of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (1963–1978); the third president, Mwai Kibaki (2002-2013); and the fourth president, his excellency Uhuru Kenyatta; Nobel Peace Prize recipient, the late Professor Wangari Maathai; award-winning writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o, among others.

A look into the history and culture of the Kikuyu

The Kikuyu (also known as Agikuyu) are a central Bantu community. They share common ancestry with the Embu, Kamba, Tharaka, Meru and Mbeere. Traditionally they inhabited the area around Mount Kenya, including the following counties: Murang’a, Nyeri, Kiambuu, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga and Nakuru. They are among the Kenyan communities that championed the struggle for Kenya’s independence through the Mau Mau movement and the Kikuyu Central Association (KCA). Notable members of the Kikuyu community include: freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi; the first president of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (1963–1978); the third president, Mwai Kibaki (2002-2013); and the fourth president, his excellency Uhuru Kenyatta; Nobel Peace Prize recipient, the late Professor Wangari Maathai; award-winning writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o, among others.

Traditional beliefs, mythology, and medicine

The Agikuyu believe in a supreme being (Ngai), who lives on Mount Kenya. The name 'Ngai', means ‘one creator God’,to whom they offer prayers and sacrifices  at designated  places, such as on top of hills, Mount Kenya and under specific trees. Sacrifices are conducted by members of the ruling generation, who appoint special priests for each occasion.

The Agikuyu believe that Ngai created the first man (Gikuyu) and woman (Mumbi) to whom they trace their origin.

One day Ngai appeared to Gikuyu and allotted him all land south-west of Mount Kenya, currently Kirinyaga county.

Gikuyu then built a homestead at Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga in Murang’a. This place is considered sacred and has many fig trees. Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga is a gazetted cultural site.

Mumbi and Gikuyu were blessed with nine daughters: Wanjirũ, Wambũi, Njeri, Wanjikũ, Nyambũra, Wairimũ, Waithĩra, Wangarĩ, and Wangũi, but no sons. When time came for the daughters to start families of their own, their father prayed and offered sacrifice to Ngai under a fig (Mugumo) tree.

The next day nine men appeared under the mugumo tree who married the daughters. They became the ancestors of the nine Kikuyu clans.

The work of the medicine man

Traditionally medicine men (mundu mugo) were powerful people in the Kikuyu community. They were consulted about the future, for healing and cleansing from ill omens.

The primary apparatus of the medicine men consisted of a series of gourds, the most important of which was the divination gourd mwano. It contained medicine used to heal the sick. It has a long neck, decorated with a woven leather strap and plant fibre handle. It is sealed with a plant fibre lid, attached with leather to the neck.

Mugo wa Kibiru: the sheer

Mugo wa Kibiru was born in Kariara, Murang’a near Thika, between the 18th and 19th centuries. Although, his parents are unknown, he became a famous prophet. According to folklore, Mugo was found alone in the forest by a hunter called Kibiru as he was inspecting his traps. Kibiru was from the Gikuyu Anjiru clan, who were traditionally associated with prophecy and powerful medicine.

The hunter decided that he would adopt the young Mugo, known as Cege at the time, and bring him up as one of his sons – not knowing the greatness that he would possess in later years. Thus, he became Cege wa Kibiru. The name later changed to Mugo, which means ‘healer’.

Karuri wa Gakure: the great chief

Karuri wa Gakure was a famous Kikuyu medicine man and warrior. He was born in Gathigiyo, to a father who was of the Angari clan and a mother whose name was Wangari.

Young Karuri displayed leadership qualities among his peers and was consequently named him Mutongoria, which means leader. He belonged to the machungya makuru age set.

Growing up, Karuri hunted elephants for ivory to trade with the Arabs. He became a medicine man to supplement his income. For thirty goats, he bought his first herbs from Githaiga wa Muya, Gikemi wa Karura and from the hunter gathering communities in the nearby forests. He led the Kikuyu warriors to battle after giving them medicine that was believed to make them invincible

Economic pursuits

Originally hunters and gatherers, the Agikuyu later adopted agriculture as their main source of livelihood. Women did the farming and gathering of wild fruits using traditional tools (such as hoes, digging knives, etc) for domestic consumption, while men did the hunting. Today, their main economic activities are trade, agriculture and livestock keeping. They grow many crops including potatoes, bananas, millet, maize, beans and vegetables. Other common cash crops grown include tea, coffee and rice.

Iron-working

Kikuyu blacksmiths (muturi) made knives and weapons from iron ore, which was dug out of the ground and smelted. In most markets, tobacco, vegetables, skins and gourds were exchanged for iron, pottery, leather garments, salt and red ochre.

This is a traditional digging knife (kahiu ka irima) with a wooden handle made by a blacksmith at Kirwara. The handle was carved from Murembu wood.

It was used by women for cultivating fields, clearing bushes, weeding and harvesting cassava and sweet potatoes.

Basket-making

Basket (kiondo) making was a notable traditional economic activity among the Agikuyu women. The kiondo is a woven basket made in various shapes, colors, and sizes, and decorated with geometric designs. Strings for making the baskets were gathered from the bark of several indigenous shrubs.

Apart from weaving baskets and trays, the strings were also used in making snares, repairing calabashes, stringing beads or tying loads.

Pottery

Kikuyu women made pots from riumba, a special clay dug up in particular areas. The pots were mostly used for cooking, storing grain, carrying water and for trade.

This Kikuyu pot, with a straight neck and rim decorated with diagonal lines, was made by women potters using a mixture of three types of clay – red, white and black – which were obtained from swamps and along river banks.

The women collected and made these pots under the shade, in a similar manner to the Kamba.

Traditional dishes

Some of the common Kikuyu foods include: Githeri (maize and beans), Mukimo (mashed green peas and potatoes), Kimitu (mashed beans and potatoes), Irio (mashed dry beans, corn and potatoes), Mutura (sausage made using goat intestines, meat and blood), and Ucuru (fermented porridge made from flour of corn, millet or sorghum). The foods were served using various bowls and spoons. This wooden food bowl made by a craftsman, was used by everybody for eating dry foods.

Political organization

The council of elders (kiama) was responsible for ensuring law and order, decision-making, ritual oath taking, religion, and administration. The kiama presided over all issues concerning the community as a whole. 

NB/

A symbol of status

This fly-whisk is made using a cow tail, fitted firmly with a wooden handle. It is made by men and carried by elders as a symbol of status.

Ceremonial headdress

A headdress made from sisal ropes which were dyed with castor oil. It was used by Kikuyu elders during ceremonial occasions.

 

 

The family and clan

The Kikuyu base their social organization on their family units (nyumba), which are extended through marriage. Several related families form the clan (mbari) and neighbourhood (itura).

Initiation: new roles for young Kikuyu

The Agikuyu circumcised both boys and girls at puberty. As an important cultural practice, circumcision was characterized by celebration irua.

Circumcised girls became women ready for marriage, and boys became warriors. Initiates circumcised at the same time, formed an age-set riika.

In Kenya today, female circumcision is illegal and the communities are encouraged to adopt alternative initiation rites which do not involve female genital mutilation

shield for dancing

The Agikuyu made shields for dancing, called ndome. They were carved out of a single piece of wood, with a hole for the arm instead of a hand grip, and were worn on the upper left arm. They were used by boys prior to their initiation as junior warriors.

Each year the boys of a particular territorial unit would choose a design, which they later used for their war shields once they had achieved warrior status.

Shields of this type became family heirlooms, though the designs might be scraped off and repainted many times as each new generation of boys prepared for their initiation.

Marriage the Kikuyu way

When a young man found a suitable woman to marry, he was expected to pay bride wealth ruracio to her family. The parents of both the bride and groom engaged in discussions, exchanged gifts, and assessed whether the couple were a suitable match.

Afterwards, the elders and fathers of the groom and bride drank locally brewed beer muratina together as they negotiated for bride wealth (sheep, goats and cattle). A man could marry as many wives as he could afford.

A traditional Kikuyu marriage ceremony nguracio is characterized by a great feast, songs, dance and merry-making.

A Kikuyu bride

A portrait of a Kikuyu bride wearing traditional headdress, earrings, necklace and wedding dress.

Music and dance

The Agikuyu celebrated traditional occasions such as weddings, initiations, and the birth of new member into the family, by singing and dancing.  They had few musical instruments because most of their songs and dances did not require elaborate accompaniment. The main instruments were the drums (kihembe), small rattles (njingiri), large rattles (kigamba), horn (coro), and flute (muturiru).

Playing the fiddle

The fiddle wandindi is played by a specialist using a sisal stringed bow muthage. The spcialist would go round the countryside playing the instrument and singing in markets and at dances.

Large rattles

Large rattles kigamba were made by blacksmiths and worn by travelers and dancers just below the knee during special occasions such as war dances, initiation ceremonies and other ceremonial dances.

This particular large leg rattle was made with four long bells sewn on a thick pad of leather. It was worn by older men for dancing. Today, such bells are made from scrap iron and ball bearings.

Celebrating Kenya's communities today

The cultural practices of the Agikuyu are still embraced today, but have been influenced by the changes in society. The heritage and culture of the Agikuyu along with the more than 44 communities in Kenya, continues to fascinate and inspire. The National Museums of Kenya invites everyone to celebrate the intangible cultural heritage of all communities which makes up this great nation.

 

Kikuyu traditional marriage (Nguracio) rites, attire and process Thursday, April 09, 2020 at 1:02 PM by Venic Nyanchama The Kikuyu community is one of the largest tribes in Kenya, which primarily occupies the central part of the country. Like most of the other Kenyan communities, the Kikuyu's follow certain cultures and traditions during various occasions. The Kikuyu traditional marriage, which is also known as Nguracio, is one of the ceremonies celebrated as per their traditions. The traditional dowry payment precedes the wedding ceremony. In the olden days, the bride price was paid in the form of livestock. The groom’s family presented sheep, cows, and goats to the bride’s family. Any man with many daughters was considered wealthy as he was expected to receive a large number of livestock. Foods The foods served in a Kikuyu traditional wedding vary from one family to another. The dishes served are nutritious and tasty. Some of the foods you may be served at the ceremony include black peas, green peas and stew, and mukimo — a dish made from combining maize, potatoes, pumpkin leaves, and beans. Rites Many Kikuyu folk have followed the tradition that values one woman to be equivalent to 99 goats. This, however, varies from family to family and among different clans. After the number of goats is agreed upon, the parents of the man are allowed to keep one goat. It indicates that the parents now have the base for a new flock. Other than goats, some families accept dowry payment in monetary form. The dowry payment (kuracia) is a very crucial step in the marking of a Kikuyu custom on marriage. After both families meet and know each other, the dowry is set, and the groom makes plans on how to pay. The first step in the dowry payment is known as “Kuunirwo miti”. It involves the groom's side of the family, getting suggestions on what should be brought for the dowry payment. In many families among the Agikuyu, the dowry payment is determined by the amount the bride’s father paid for her mother. The next of the many Kikuyu traditional wedding steps is called “kuhanda ithigi”. This step symbolizes planting a branch of a tree to indicate that the girl is officially off the market. It means that the girl has already been booked by the man. The actual dowry payment then follows. Like many other Kenyan marriage customs, the Agikuyu dowry payment is made throughout the lifetime of the groom. The important thing the groom is required to do is pay a certain fraction of the dowry as guided by the elders from the bride's side. The balance of the dowry can then be paid as the bride and groom continue living together and sharing life. A certain amount is set for the groom so the elders know that he is serious with their girl and so he can be permitted to marry the bride. Dowry payment, however, varies depending on the state the bride is in. If the girl is pregnant, the process is rushed, so the baby is born when the two have already married.Athuri (Items for the men) tuffed ram He-goat Sheep Blankets Heifer Goats which are counted in tens Beer made from honey Assorted items for the father Water tank Atumia (Items for the women) A clay pot Calabashes Axes New rope Women outfits Lesos or kangas Beer for women Fermented porridge Dressing and customs The cutting of the shoulder (gutinia kiande) process happens once the bride and groom have changed into traditional attires. The lady wears a brown gown made of local fabric and the groom matches with the same. Accessories include beads, earrings, and bangles for the lady. The master of ceremony in charge of cutting the shoulder may also be required to wear a different Kikuyu traditional wedding attire. Process Once the visitors have entered the bride's home, they are ushered to a sitting area. This is usually a tent. The guests are served, and once they are done eating, the selecting process starts. everal ladies, about a dozen, go to the house and get tied with lesos from head to toe. The ladies are usually of the same height and weight as the bride. They are then divided into groups and called outside in different turns. The husband to be is then invited to look at the girls and select the one he thinks is his bride. The selection process is usually fun and critical in the Kikuyu culture. The man ought to be careful not to pick a different girl as he will have to incur penalties if he makes that mistake. Once the groom gets his bride, he will untie her and take her to the high table. Some cheering follows as the two march forward. Cutting the shoulder The shoulder to be cut is placed on a traditional basin and put on the table for everyone to see. The master of ceremony is then required to request the groom to cut the shoulder. The bride then helps the groom to hold it. After cutting it, the master of ceremony tells the groom that even if the wife happens to bear a child who is not his, the groom will happily take care of the child. he groom agrees in front of the crowd despite not being pleased about it. In case of a separation, the couple is guided on what to do with the children. Divorce in Kikuyu culture is not encouraged. READ ALSO: Kikuyu culture, traditions and language Eating the ears (Kuria matu) The groom is asked to offer the bride some ears from the sla*ghtered goat to eat. While eating, the groom asks the bride to eat them too signifying that the bride will hear him any time he calls for her. The bride also does the same to him. Agemates of the bride also eat the ears with the bride. This is to remind them that it is crucial to listen to their husbands. Taking porridge (Gukundania ucuru) Some men, around five, will go forth with their wives, sit on the available chairs and be fed with the porridge. The guests will then take the porridge after each of the men has taken. While the porridge is being drunk, some of the visitors will get to the house to go and offer the dowry brought. The parents of the man then come up with a date that they will visit the home of the bride. Certification of Kikuyu wedding (Kuheo certificate ya kugurana) Once the cutting of the shoulder is complete, the master of ceremony will ask the couple to come in front and give them the certificate. The MC will read out the details of the certificate and announce that the girl has officially been married at a traditional Kikuyu wedding. A stern warning may be given to the men who may try fooling around with the girl. Dowry The Kikuyu dowry procedures (kuingira kuracia) involve having members from both families in a separate room where they go to negotiate and give the dowry. The conversation at this point includes asking the visitors to introduce themselves and state their reasons for visiting. The master of ceremony will respond, and the visitors will then give what they have brought. The MC will, later on, call the bride and ask her if her father should accept the goodies brought. The girl will then agree, and the guests will be given a crate of soda as a sign of appreciation. The ceremony is pretty much done at this point. The visitors will then leave at their pleasure. A Kikuyu traditional marriage is one of the many customs the Agikuyu people still follow today. The process is artistic and ensures that traditions are passed from one generation to the next. Even with the stunning event, there are restrictions and rules to follow. If for instance, if a man fails to finish paying his dowry, it is a guarantee that the daughter cannot get married until all the balance is cleared. When a man completes the entire dowry payment, a ceremony is held to signify the marriage is solid. notification icon Read more: https://www.tuko.co.ke/350589-kikuyu-traditional-marriage-nguracio-rites-attire-process.html

 

Kikuyu traditional marriage (Nguracio) rites, attire and process Thursday, April 09, 2020 at 1:02 PM by Venic Nyanchama The Kikuyu community is one of the largest tribes in Kenya, which primarily occupies the central part of the country. Like most of the other Kenyan communities, the Kikuyu's follow certain cultures and traditions during various occasions. The Kikuyu traditional marriage, which is also known as Nguracio, is one of the ceremonies celebrated as per their traditions. he traditional dowry payment precedes the wedding ceremony. In the olden days, the bride price was paid in the form of livestock. The groom’s family presented sheep, cows, and goats to the bride’s family. Any man with many daughters was considered wealthy as he was expected to receive a large number of livestock. Read more: https://www.tuko.co.ke/350589-kikuyu-traditional-marriage-nguracio-rites-attire-process.html

Kikuyu traditional marriage (Nguracio) rites, attire and process Thursday, April 09, 2020 at 1:02 PM by Venic Nyanchama The Kikuyu community is one of the largest tribes in Kenya, which primarily occupies the central part of the country. Like most of the other Kenyan communities, the Kikuyu's follow certain cultures and traditions during various occasions. The Kikuyu traditional marriage, which is also known as Nguracio, is one of the ceremonies celebrated as per their traditions. he traditional dowry payment precedes the wedding ceremony. In the olden days, the bride price was paid in the form of livestock. The groom’s family presented sheep, cows, and goats to the bride’s family. Any man with many daughters was considered wealthy as he was expected to receive a large number of livestock. Read more: https://www.tuko.co.ke/350589-kikuyu-traditional-marriage-nguracio-rites-attire-process.html

Kikuyu traditional marriage (Nguracio) rites, attire and process Thursday, April 09, 2020 at 1:02 PM by Venic Nyanchama The Kikuyu community is one of the largest tribes in Kenya, which primarily occupies the central part of the country. Like most of the other Kenyan communities, the Kikuyu's follow certain cultures and traditions during various occasions. The Kikuyu traditional marriage, which is also known as Nguracio, is one of the ceremonies celebrated as per their traditions. The traditional dowry payment precedes the wedding ceremony. In the olden days, the bride price was paid in the form of livestock. The groom’s family presented sheep, cows, and goats to the bride’s family. Any man with many daughters was considered wealthy as he was expected to receive a large number of livestock. Foods The foods served in a Kikuyu traditional wedding vary from one family to another. The dishes served are nutritious and tasty. Some of the foods you may be served at the ceremony include black peas, green peas and stew, and mukimo — a dish made from combining maize, potatoes, pumpkin leaves, and beans. Rites Many Kikuyu folk have followed the tradition that values one woman to be equivalent to 99 goats. This, however, varies from family to family and among different clans. After the number of goats is agreed upon, the parents of the man are allowed to keep one goat. It indicates that the parents now have the base for a new flock. Other than goats, some families accept dowry payment in monetary form. The dowry payment (kuracia) is a very crucial step in the marking of a Kikuyu custom on marriage. After both families meet and know each other, the dowry is set, and the groom makes plans on how to pay. The first step in the dowry payment is known as “Kuunirwo miti”. It involves the groom's side of the family, getting suggestions on what should be brought for the dowry payment. In many families among the Agikuyu, the dowry payment is determined by the amount the bride’s father paid for her mother. The next of the many Kikuyu traditional wedding steps is called “kuhanda ithigi”. This step symbolizes planting a branch of a tree to indicate that the girl is officially off the market. It means that the girl has already been booked by the man. The actual dowry payment then follows. Like many other Kenyan marriage customs, the Agikuyu dowry payment is made throughout the lifetime of the groom. The important thing the groom is required to do is pay a certain fraction of the dowry as guided by the elders from the bride's side. The balance of the dowry can then be paid as the bride and groom continue living together and sharing life. A certain amount is set for the groom so the elders know that he is serious with their girl and so he can be permitted to marry the bride. Dowry payment, however, varies depending on the state the bride is in. If the girl is pregnant, the process is rushed, so the baby is born when the two have already married.Athuri (Items for the men) tuffed ram He-goat Sheep Blankets Heifer Goats which are counted in tens Beer made from honey Assorted items for the father Water tank Atumia (Items for the women) A clay pot Calabashes Axes New rope Women outfits Lesos or kangas Beer for women Fermented porridge Dressing and customs The cutting of the shoulder (gutinia kiande) process happens once the bride and groom have changed into traditional attires. The lady wears a brown gown made of local fabric and the groom matches with the same. Accessories include beads, earrings, and bangles for the lady. The master of ceremony in charge of cutting the shoulder may also be required to wear a different Kikuyu traditional wedding attire. Process Once the visitors have entered the bride's home, they are ushered to a sitting area. This is usually a tent. The guests are served, and once they are done eating, the selecting process starts. everal ladies, about a dozen, go to the house and get tied with lesos from head to toe. The ladies are usually of the same height and weight as the bride. They are then divided into groups and called outside in different turns. The husband to be is then invited to look at the girls and select the one he thinks is his bride. The selection process is usually fun and critical in the Kikuyu culture. The man ought to be careful not to pick a different girl as he will have to incur penalties if he makes that mistake. Once the groom gets his bride, he will untie her and take her to the high table. Some cheering follows as the two march forward. Cutting the shoulder The shoulder to be cut is placed on a traditional basin and put on the table for everyone to see. The master of ceremony is then required to request the groom to cut the shoulder. The bride then helps the groom to hold it. After cutting it, the master of ceremony tells the groom that even if the wife happens to bear a child who is not his, the groom will happily take care of the child. he groom agrees in front of the crowd despite not being pleased about it. In case of a separation, the couple is guided on what to do with the children. Divorce in Kikuyu culture is not encouraged. READ ALSO: Kikuyu culture, traditions and language Eating the ears (Kuria matu) The groom is asked to offer the bride some ears from the sla*ghtered goat to eat. While eating, the groom asks the bride to eat them too signifying that the bride will hear him any time he calls for her. The bride also does the same to him. Agemates of the bride also eat the ears with the bride. This is to remind them that it is crucial to listen to their husbands. Taking porridge (Gukundania ucuru) Some men, around five, will go forth with their wives, sit on the available chairs and be fed with the porridge. The guests will then take the porridge after each of the men has taken. While the porridge is being drunk, some of the visitors will get to the house to go and offer the dowry brought. The parents of the man then come up with a date that they will visit the home of the bride. Certification of Kikuyu wedding (Kuheo certificate ya kugurana) Once the cutting of the shoulder is complete, the master of ceremony will ask the couple to come in front and give them the certificate. The MC will read out the details of the certificate and announce that the girl has officially been married at a traditional Kikuyu wedding. A stern warning may be given to the men who may try fooling around with the girl. Dowry The Kikuyu dowry procedures (kuingira kuracia) involve having members from both families in a separate room where they go to negotiate and give the dowry. The conversation at this point includes asking the visitors to introduce themselves and state their reasons for visiting. The master of ceremony will respond, and the visitors will then give what they have brought. The MC will, later on, call the bride and ask her if her father should accept the goodies brought. The girl will then agree, and the guests will be given a crate of soda as a sign of appreciation. The ceremony is pretty much done at this point. The visitors will then leave at their pleasure. A Kikuyu traditional marriage is one of the many customs the Agikuyu people still follow today. The process is artistic and ensures that traditions are passed from one generation to the next. Even with the stunning event, there are restrictions and rules to follow. If for instance, if a man fails to finish paying his dowry, it is a guarantee that the daughter cannot get married until all the balance is cleared. When a man completes the entire dowry payment, a ceremony is held to signify the marriage is solid. notification icon Read more: https://www.tuko.co.ke/350589-kikuyu-traditional-marriage-nguracio-rites-attire-process.html

Kikuyu traditional marriage (Nguracio) rites, attire and process Thursday, April 09, 2020 at 1:02 PM by Venic Nyanchama The Kikuyu community is one of the largest tribes in Kenya, which primarily occupies the central part of the country. Like most of the other Kenyan communities, the Kikuyu's follow certain cultures and traditions during various occasions. The Kikuyu traditional marriage, which is also known as Nguracio, is one of the ceremonies celebrated as per their traditions. The traditional dowry payment precedes the wedding ceremony. In the olden days, the bride price was paid in the form of livestock. The groom’s family presented sheep, cows, and goats to the bride’s family. Any man with many daughters was considered wealthy as he was expected to receive a large number of livestock. Foods The foods served in a Kikuyu traditional wedding vary from one family to another. The dishes served are nutritious and tasty. Some of the foods you may be served at the ceremony include black peas, green peas and stew, and mukimo — a dish made from combining maize, potatoes, pumpkin leaves, and beans. Rites Many Kikuyu folk have followed the tradition that values one woman to be equivalent to 99 goats. This, however, varies from family to family and among different clans. After the number of goats is agreed upon, the parents of the man are allowed to keep one goat. It indicates that the parents now have the base for a new flock. Other than goats, some families accept dowry payment in monetary form. The dowry payment (kuracia) is a very crucial step in the marking of a Kikuyu custom on marriage. After both families meet and know each other, the dowry is set, and the groom makes plans on how to pay. The first step in the dowry payment is known as “Kuunirwo miti”. It involves the groom's side of the family, getting suggestions on what should be brought for the dowry payment. In many families among the Agikuyu, the dowry payment is determined by the amount the bride’s father paid for her mother. The next of the many Kikuyu traditional wedding steps is called “kuhanda ithigi”. This step symbolizes planting a branch of a tree to indicate that the girl is officially off the market. It means that the girl has already been booked by the man. The actual dowry payment then follows. Like many other Kenyan marriage customs, the Agikuyu dowry payment is made throughout the lifetime of the groom. The important thing the groom is required to do is pay a certain fraction of the dowry as guided by the elders from the bride's side. The balance of the dowry can then be paid as the bride and groom continue living together and sharing life. A certain amount is set for the groom so the elders know that he is serious with their girl and so he can be permitted to marry the bride. Dowry payment, however, varies depending on the state the bride is in. If the girl is pregnant, the process is rushed, so the baby is born when the two have already married.Athuri (Items for the men) tuffed ram He-goat Sheep Blankets Heifer Goats which are counted in tens Beer made from honey Assorted items for the father Water tank Atumia (Items for the women) A clay pot Calabashes Axes New rope Women outfits Lesos or kangas Beer for women Fermented porridge Dressing and customs The cutting of the shoulder (gutinia kiande) process happens once the bride and groom have changed into traditional attires. The lady wears a brown gown made of local fabric and the groom matches with the same. Accessories include beads, earrings, and bangles for the lady. The master of ceremony in charge of cutting the shoulder may also be required to wear a different Kikuyu traditional wedding attire. Process Once the visitors have entered the bride's home, they are ushered to a sitting area. This is usually a tent. The guests are served, and once they are done eating, the selecting process starts. everal ladies, about a dozen, go to the house and get tied with lesos from head to toe. The ladies are usually of the same height and weight as the bride. They are then divided into groups and called outside in different turns. The husband to be is then invited to look at the girls and select the one he thinks is his bride. The selection process is usually fun and critical in the Kikuyu culture. The man ought to be careful not to pick a different girl as he will have to incur penalties if he makes that mistake. Once the groom gets his bride, he will untie her and take her to the high table. Some cheering follows as the two march forward. Cutting the shoulder The shoulder to be cut is placed on a traditional basin and put on the table for everyone to see. The master of ceremony is then required to request the groom to cut the shoulder. The bride then helps the groom to hold it. After cutting it, the master of ceremony tells the groom that even if the wife happens to bear a child who is not his, the groom will happily take care of the child. he groom agrees in front of the crowd despite not being pleased about it. In case of a separation, the couple is guided on what to do with the children. Divorce in Kikuyu culture is not encouraged. READ ALSO: Kikuyu culture, traditions and language Eating the ears (Kuria matu) The groom is asked to offer the bride some ears from the sla*ghtered goat to eat. While eating, the groom asks the bride to eat them too signifying that the bride will hear him any time he calls for her. The bride also does the same to him. Agemates of the bride also eat the ears with the bride. This is to remind them that it is crucial to listen to their husbands. Taking porridge (Gukundania ucuru) Some men, around five, will go forth with their wives, sit on the available chairs and be fed with the porridge. The guests will then take the porridge after each of the men has taken. While the porridge is being drunk, some of the visitors will get to the house to go and offer the dowry brought. The parents of the man then come up with a date that they will visit the home of the bride. Certification of Kikuyu wedding (Kuheo certificate ya kugurana) Once the cutting of the shoulder is complete, the master of ceremony will ask the couple to come in front and give them the certificate. The MC will read out the details of the certificate and announce that the girl has officially been married at a traditional Kikuyu wedding. A stern warning may be given to the men who may try fooling around with the girl. Dowry The Kikuyu dowry procedures (kuingira kuracia) involve having members from both families in a separate room where they go to negotiate and give the dowry. The conversation at this point includes asking the visitors to introduce themselves and state their reasons for visiting. The master of ceremony will respond, and the visitors will then give what they have brought. The MC will, later on, call the bride and ask her if her father should accept the goodies brought. The girl will then agree, and the guests will be given a crate of soda as a sign of appreciation. The ceremony is pretty much done at this point. The visitors will then leave at their pleasure. A Kikuyu traditional marriage is one of the many customs the Agikuyu people still follow today. The process is artistic and ensures that traditions are passed from one generation to the next. Even with the stunning event, there are restrictions and rules to follow. If for instance, if a man fails to finish paying his dowry, it is a guarantee that the daughter cannot get married until all the balance is cleared. When a man completes the entire dowry payment, a ceremony is held to signify the marriage is solid. notification icon Read more: https://www.tuko.co.ke/350589-kikuyu-traditional-marriage-nguracio-rites-attire-process.htmlv

Kikuyu traditional marriage (Nguracio) rites, attire and process Thursday, April 09, 2020 at 1:02 PM by Venic Nyanchama The Kikuyu community is one of the largest tribes in Kenya, which primarily occupies the central part of the country. Like most of the other Kenyan communities, the Kikuyu's follow certain cultures and traditions during various occasions. The Kikuyu traditional marriage, which is also known as Nguracio, is one of the ceremonies celebrated as per their traditions. he traditional dowry payment precedes the wedding ceremony. In the olden days, the bride price was paid in the form of livestock. The groom’s family presented sheep, cows, and goats to the bride’s family. Any man with many daughters was considered wealthy as he was expected to receive a large number of livestock. Read more: https://www.tuko.co.ke/350589-kikuyu-traditional-marriage-nguracio-rites-attire-process.html

 

Kikuyu traditional marriage (Nguracio) rites, attire and process Thursday, April 09, 2020 at 1:02 PM by Venic Nyanchama The Kikuyu community is one of the largest tribes in Kenya, which primarily occupies the central part of the country. Like most of the other Kenyan communities, the Kikuyu's follow certain cultures and traditions during various occasions. The Kikuyu traditional marriage, which is also known as Nguracio, is one of the ceremonies celebrated as per their traditions. Read more: https://www.tuko.co.ke/350589-kikuyu-traditional-marriage-nguracio-rites-attire-process.html