What is a Dowry?

A dowry is an ancient custom of providing a payment from a bride’s family to the groom’s family upon a marriage being agreed. Also known as ‘bride-price’, a dowry can take the form of money, goods, or property and is typically intended to help secure the couple’s financial future.

Origins of Dowries

The concept of a dowry has been in existence for centuries, with its roots most likely lying in ancient India. In early societies, exchanging a gift for a woman was proof that the groom was suitable and had the financial means to provide for a family. This entitlement was later adopted as a bride-price, before taking on the form of a dowry in many cultures.

Modern-Day Dowries

Nowadays, dowries are most commonly associated with Asian cultures and Africa. Many families believe it is their duty to ensure their daughter is fully provided for in her married life, with the intention of sending her off with everything she needs to be successful. As such, they offer large sums of money, jewelry, and other expensive gifts to the groom and his family, to ensure this success.

In some cases, brides’ families opt to provide so-called ‘groom-price’ as a dowry, which is typically given in the form of cash and livestock. This is much rarer than bride-price, but also pays testament to the idea of valuing the bride and her future position.

Despite recent developments, dowries remain a common practice in various parts of the world, and even in parts of Europe. Many couples choose to save money in order to fully provide for their daughter’s trousseau and dowry to ensure her husband and his family are properly compensated and she can enjoy a more comfortable married life.

Despite being a traditional aspect of marriage, dowries have been linked to many cases of abuse and inequality of the sexes. In some countries, women have been failed by the system and made to be dependent on the man in order to survive. To counteract this, many governments have implemented laws that outlaw the offering of dowries, in an effort to promote equal rights between men and women.

Overall, dowries are an ancient custom that have been in existence for centuries and remain embedded in various cultures to this day. Despite being intended as a way to celebrate and recognize a union, the concept has been abused in many cases and is no longer considered to be an acceptable practice in many countries.