THE BRIDE PRICE AND THE MARRIAGE BUSINESS
For many centuries the DRC has been organising marriage in fixing a type of dowry as in most of the African countries. The country has different method for the dowry and the bride price is part of it, some traditional furniture can be given as well to the bride’s family. As in so many cultures in the world, there are always celebrities and traditions when it comes to marriage and the DRC does not make exceptions. This article will cover all the important points about the Congolese marriage business, bride price, and their misunderstandings. We will define the bride price while giving some important steps for marriage in DRC and some challenges and misunderstandings with the marriage business. Cultural Tradition of Bride Price in the DRC Marriage and bride price: In DRC these words cannot be separated from each other. It means thinking about marriage is thinking about the bride price, but we can try to define these words in 2 different contexts: The Congolese context or traditional context The marriage is a perfect ceremony in which 2 different people from 2 different families mean to be together for life and death. It refers to a cultural institution where a groom and his family discuss, drink, eat, and celebrate with each other which is going to lead to a payment of the bride price. The bride price symbolically becomes an amount of money or a set of different presents to point out the commitment, respect, love, and sacrifice the family has for the bride’s family. It is known to be the Lobola in Lingala or the dowry in English. However, this sometimes can have different perceptions from different families because it’s the bride’s family that will fix the payment. Some families tend to exaggerate by increasing the payment that would be asked, the symbolic and traditional side turn into a common amount of things or money to value somebody. We all know that it’s impossible to value someone with a kind of price, and sometimes this bad point of view can just come from the family without the concerned person’s approval. Global Context of Marriage In a broader global context, marriage is a legally recognised union between two individuals, typically one man and one woman, but increasingly inclusive of same-sex couples in many countries. It involves a formal ceremony or legal contract signifying a committed partnership, which may or may not involve traditional customs like bride prices. Marriage serves various social, legal, and emotional purposes and varies widely in its practices and traditions across cultures. So let’s point out the different steps of the actual marriage in DRC and when the bride price comes out. Important Steps For Marriage in the DRC The 1st step: Introduction This is an important step where usually the man wants to go forward to let his future woman’s family know about his actual existence. The way it’s done is different from different parts and cultures in DRC, but the common way is the man will give a small amount of money in the envelope to his beloved, the woman will bring it to her mom generally, to introduce the existing man in her life and tells her how much they love each other and want to live together for the rest of their lives. The woman’s mom will ask some basic and crucial questions to her daughter and lets her father know about the man who want to come to brief himself and take their daughter as wife. This can lead to a small meeting or a dinner between them if the woman’s family accepts him. The 2nd step is the Pre-traditional wedding Once accepted by a small group, the man and some members of his family, usually the father and mother, the aunts and uncles, or just important members of the family will go to the in-laws (to be) for a meeting which will end with some drinks; beers, wine, soda, music and dances to celebrate and immortalise the moment. The goal of the event is to list all the traditional gifts and to fix the bride price while arranging how things will go for the next events, task divisions, and responsibilities. But this event is just to officialise the relationship between not just the man and the woman but also the two families are linked now together by the two children. For the occasion, the man’s family will come up with different traditional gifts like salt, sugar, oils, etc… The list will usually depends on the in-laws’ culture but as we mentioned before even for this first event the family in-law can exaggerate sometimes. The 3rd step is the traditional wedding The traditional marriage in DRC is the most important marriage that exists. Most married people have stopped at this step actually because of how crucial it is. So what exactly happens at this stage? As mentioned above, the previous event was to list out the traditional gifts and the bride price as well as responsibilities and tasks divisions for the next parts. It’s just like a promise but this stage is the beginning of fulfilment of what was said or promised in the previous part. The cost is generally divided into 2 parts, one in kind (traditional gifts) and the other in cash (the bride price). In-kind, the man’s family will come up with different traditional gifts that have been asked by the bride price or listed throughout the traditional marriage. These are the gifts generally asked despite the culture’s diversity: Father-in-law suits, shoes, belts, books or watches, etc… Mother-in-law, 2 loincloths, some dishes etc. For the entire in-laws: A basin for washing clothes, a bag of salt or rice, a can of palm oil, a cuff, a pirogue, an axe, a bicycle, a jacket, two loincloths, bottles of traditional or modern wines, etc.. Note: The traditional presents in the traditional marriage are generally different from the pre-traditional marriage ones, not just in terms of the ceremony purposes but also
THE TRUTH ABOUT DATING CONGOLESE WOMEN
Interested in someone from a foreign land? Learn the ins and outs of dating Congolese women, from cultural values to relationship dos and don’ts. Today with business trips and study trips, we find ourselves in any country in the world far from our culture, and our habits at home, yet we might be interested in a person who does not share the same culture as us, or have different values from ours. This can’t stop us from loving him/her. Part of dating is choosing to meet someone who is the best match for us, or someone we are interested in or like. It all depends on how you define that, it’s all relative. But in this part of Congotalks243 dedicated to Congolese culture, we will give you some key points that you should take into account when deciding to date a Congolese woman who has resided there for at least 12 years and therefore shares this relationship culture. 1. Be Clear and Straightforward Being clear and straightforward is the golden rule for dating a Congolese woman. This means that Congolese women no matter what methods you use to conquer them, they will never chase you because Congolese culture compares it to a crime, generally, all Congolese women will never go to you to announce that they love you and that they are interested in you before you go to them first. It is already difficult for them to say yes, even when you are the one who started it. They have their way of saying yes after they find you interesting or that they like you, LOL! We are not saying that they are shy, far from it. Just be clear with your intentions, and the next part will explain how to get her hooked to win her heart or at least go out with her. 2. Be Romantic Have you ever heard a Congolese person complimenting someone? Especially in Lingala? We assure you that you will be amazed and moved, if you know of course how to speak this national Congolese language – great, otherwise take a tour on our Youtube channel to find at least the basics to understand and speak Lingala. Congolese people are very good talkers and classy. So be cute to convince a Congolese woman, she will want you to pamper her, not only with words but with actions, you should persuade her, raise her like a queen, cajole her, etc. If you don’t persevere, you will already be giving up from the beginning, but what they want is to feel beautiful like flowers. More attention, consideration, going out for a coffee or a pizza, a movie or a walk, usually makes them feel good and loved. They will eventually accept it, even though there may be exceptions, but that’s how it usually goes. Of course, once you are in a relationship with a Congolese woman, there are still challenges to overcome just like any other relationship, but overall, the ride will be worth it. 3. They May Not Take You To Their Family Everything goes well with Congolese women, as we mentioned at the beginning of this article. However, the African culture or particularly the Congolese culture is very different from that of the West, so to allow yourself to date women having the Congolese culture you must have courage, because you will have to adapt to their culture. According to African parents, precisely Congolese parents, women cannot afford to go out with men without the prospect of getting married, and it is the same for men too. This implies that Congolese women will never dare to introduce you to their family, which means that you will probably be dating, but it will be in secret or at least without the family’s knowledge. Introducing a man to the family is considered sacred and symbolic, which means that he is the man of the whole woman’s life, who will surely marry her, and the woman will not introduce anyone else to the family. So if in the future you go out with a Congolese woman, don’t get mad at her because she doesn’t introduce you to her family, or just try to manage to be serious with her, which means to consider marrying her and that she agrees too. Only then will you see her family. In the DRC, some cultures in the country require the woman to tell her mother about the man she loves and who wants to marry her, and this for a symbolic amount or gift called VOICE OR WORD, That is to say, this will give the woman the right to tell her mother that she has met the man who is going to marry her and after consultation with the father, the mother can give the right to the girl to come with the man to the house for the said presentation. After this will then come the dowry, and the marriage. But not all women in the DRC do this, there are exceptions on the way. 4. Having A50/50 Mindset What is called parity in the DRC, among women, exists but only in some cases. As far as dating Congolese women is concerned, keeping in mind that you are going to equally share the tasks or the responsibilities with her is a mistake. Well, it doesn’t work like that. As we have underlined a little bit above, Congolese women really appreciate it when they are cherished, when they are made to feel like queens, that they can be taken care of. In practice, this does not mean that they’re lazy, or that they will not take their side of the responsibility. It is just that in most cases, Congolese women prefer men that can lead; a Congolese woman loves the leadership of a man. It’s a way for them to feel safe, or in good hands, that they don’t have to be afraid of anything. So the story of sharing the bill for example in a restaurant
THE SPECIAL BOND OF WAGENYA FISHERMEN AND THE CONGO RIVER – DRC
This article aims to explain the Wagenya people and their special bond with the Congo River in DRC. The entire world fishes but not all the entire world is using the same fishing methods. Traditional and modern fishing methods both have some common points, however, in some regions of the world fishing is not only about catching some small aquatic creatures, it is rather an art, a life and an ancestral heritage which makes it different from other fishing practices. Let’s talk about the Wagenia fishermen and the Congo River. Wagenia location The Wagenia people are a community of people and a village based in the Kisangani region located in the Democratic Republic of Congo which stretches along the Congo River and the Lualaba. The Wagenia fishermen are located 5 Km from Kisangani city in the Tshopo northern province of the DRC. Origin of the Wagenia The Wagenia, commonly referred to as the Enya, are a Bantu ethnic group from Central Congo. Originating in the 17th century, the name ‘Wagenia’ derives from the primary tribe name, ‘Enya’, which settled around the Congo River and Lualaba. Their ancestors, residing in the same regions, are credited with a unique traditional fishing technique that is known worldwide. We will be explaining more about the Congo River and Wagenia fishing method in the next paragraphs. Before we talk about the Wagenia fishermen with their emblematic and unique fishing method let’s first describe the Congo River so that you can understand why the fishing method is known to be unique in the world. The Congo River The Congo River, located in central Africa, from the Katanga province up to the Atlantic Ocean, is the second African longest river after the Nile River, and the 8th world’s longest river. It is famous for its more than 3 million Km2 of basin size, second in the world after the Amazon River by its discharge and for the fact that it’s the world’s deepest River with 212m. The Congo River has always been one of the wonders of the DRC, which makes the country the greatest African hydroelectric power with the Inga dam. The Lualaba is the main source of the Congo River before falling into the Atlantic Ocean, the Lualaba has a series of 7 falls commonly called the Boyoma Falls or the Stanley Falls, the discharge of these falls is one of the important in the world over 17000 ms, and the last falls of the Boyoma falls series is the Wagenia falls and that is where the Lualaba is transformed into the Congo river. The Boyoma Falls is one of the incredibly beautiful places you should consider visiting in DRC. Try to watch and appreciate those wonderful places described on our YouTube channel. Now let’s explain the Wagenia fishermen of the Congo River and why their method is known to be unique. The Wagenia Fishermen and their Fishing Method Wagenia people are trying to keep their ancestral practice alive even though it might not be easy. So what is the Wagenia fishing method? The Wagenia fishing method in the Congo River consists of using ingenious wooden scaffolding tools, they use them with incredible intelligence; although the Congo River flow is extremely high and dangerous, the Wagenia fishermen do not hesitate to jump into the waterfalls of the Boyoma Falls, usually called the Wagenia falls. As mentioned before, the Boyoma Falls are one of the most dangerous in the World. The Wagenia fishermen perch precariously on wooden scaffolds stretching over turbulent rapids of the Congo River, they are hauling up huge wicker baskets against the water flow in the hope of catching up some Tilapias, Nil perch, etc. Wagenia fishermen are preserving and passing this ancestral fishing method from father to son. The economy in the region is not too good and fishing in the Congo River is considered its main source of revenue, although the fish caught are not enough to maintain stability in Wagenia village, it is still an important ancestral heritage and culture. The site is warmly receiving different tourists from around the world to see its culture and nature. 10 facts about the Wagenia Fishermen Historical Roots: The Wagenia fishing technique dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in the traditions of the people living near the Lualaba and Congo Rivers. Unique Scaffolding System: The Wagenia use a distinctive fishing method, constructing wooden tripods and nets across the rapids to trap fish from the fast-flowing waters. Dangerous Waters: Despite the treacherous currents of the Congo River and the dangers of the Boyoma Falls, Wagenia fishermen exhibit remarkable courage and skill in their fishing methods. Seasonal Fishing: The fishing method, while traditional, is typically practised during specific seasons when certain fish species migrate and are more abundant in the Congo River. Cultural Significance: The fishing technique is not just a means of sustenance but holds significant cultural and ceremonial importance for the Wagenia community. Communal Effort: The construction and maintenance of the wooden scaffolding are often communal efforts, highlighting the strong sense of community among the Wagenia. Economic Importance: The catch from the river plays a pivotal role in the local economy, with fish being a primary source of food and income for many families in the region. Environmental Connection: The Wagenia have an intimate understanding of the river’s ecosystem, often recognizing subtle changes in water patterns, fish behaviour, or environmental cues that others may not easily recognize. Boyoma Falls Connection: The Boyoma Falls, also known as the Wagenia Falls, are intrinsically linked with the identity of the Wagenia fishermen. The name itself signifies the deep bond between the community and this natural wonder. Tourist Attraction: The unique fishing technique and the bravery displayed by the Wagenia fishermen have turned the area into a tourist attraction. Many come to witness this age-old tradition and the symbiotic relationship between the fishermen and the river. Closing through The Wagenia fishermen live in the Kisangani region Tshopo northern province of the DRC around the Congo
5 WEIRDEST FOODS YOU WILL FIND IN CONGO DRC (CONGOLESE FOODS)
5 WEIRDEST FOODS YOU’LL FIND IN CONGO DRC! (Congolese Foods) In DRC there are excellent, delicious, and very good foods, they are also healthy. Except that there are foods that are delicious only after tasting them, which is obvious for any kind of food. In the DRC there are delicious but very weird foods. At first sight, they will not make you want to eat at all, but once in the mouth, it is difficult to realize the nature and the appearance that it had before. In this article, we will talk about Congolese food, especially the weirdest of them. NYOKA (Snakes) We start with the snake even if there are some people who eat it in a lot of countries. It is a reptile that probably scares everyone, eating it would also be very difficult. It deserves its place in our list of the weirdest foods in the DRC. From its appearance it gives us disgust but once well cooked with madesu (Beans), the snake is very delicious. So, how do we cook a snake? The first step is to find some. In the DRC there are several forests, SO it is easy to find but difficult to capture; they are rarely sold in butcheries. The second step is to wash it and remove its skin and head. After removing these, you have to remove its internal organs and cut the snake systematically into small pieces (the most known and eaten snakes are the moma or causus and the Kipiri or vipere). The third step is to boil it in hot water over a fire or dry it in the sun. The fifth step is to find the necessary ingredients, such as onion, and pepper, which are often used. At the end, the snake is grilled in vegetable oil. But some people soak the piece of snake in eggs or milk before grilling it to give it an even more intense flavor with the Congolese food Fufu. In the mouth, it has everything: fish and chicken. If you are not informed, it is difficult to know that it is a snake that you are eating, and once in the mouth, it is also tough to spit it out because it is really very tasty. BASOLOLO (Worms) Generally, the worms of palm trees.They are a delicious traditional African food. Judging by their appearance, they do not give too much desire to taste. After cooking them however, the extraordinary flavor that they leave in your mouth is so fabulous that you will want more. How to cook the worm of palm trees? First of all, it is necessary to wash them well; then it is necessary to remove the brown liquids being in their body, generally one folds them in two, or open a small hole to let the liquid out. Secondly, you have to find a pot in which you will put your clean worms, throw in some onions that are cut into pieces, some bay leaves, some peppers, and then grill them. Note that you should not use oil in the cooking pot, the worms are mostly greasy. You may add some water but only a very small quantity. The last step is to savor, and at the end ask yourself if there is really a concordance between the flavor,, the delicious taste and the appearance of this Congolese food. MBIZO/ MINGOLU (in Lingala/Kikongo) or Caterpillars in English Caterpillars in DRC are the most consumed insects, we can say in all provinces of DRC, it is a food that is really healthy and full of proteins. They are foods that really deserve to be part of our list of the most bizarre Congolese foods. The Mbizo is weird, but it’s not really that weird, it’s the way this food is marketed in the DRC, it’s so fascinating. How are the caterpillars cooked? The caterpillars are first caught from trees or plants, then smoked, and after 3 to 4 days, once dried they are grilled directly in vegetable oil. They are very delicious. MAKELELE (in lingala) or CRICKETs in English In the DRC there are a lot of strange foods and crickets are not spared. Crickets in the DRC are widely consumed. They are grilled directly with vegetable oil. They have a very high nutritional value, and they deserve to be one of the most delicious traditional dishes of the Congolese people. With a look not very interesting, you will have difficulty putting them in your mouth. But when well-cooked the crickets are of an incredible flavor, you will probably regret having hesitated. There are several types of cricket that are consumed in the DRC. In the southern part for example, we find house crickets in the south-central part of the DRC in particular. BANDENGU (Kikongo) OR FLYING ANTS/TERMITES Every November, the Congolese people can see the air invaded by flying ants, it is very entertaining. They are usually marketed in every corner of the DRC… This Congolese food is consumed dried in the sun and then roasted with vegetable oil and spices; but also one can prepare it without oil, or not dried. They contain a lot of proteins which are necessary elements for the growth and maintenance of the organism, they also contain lipids. Because they live mostly underground, people have to observe where they are flying from and then dig the ground to collect them. LAST WORDS You will notice that these weirdest foods, in DRC, are mostly insects and at the same time are very traditionally consumed. Palm worms, crickets, flying ants, and caterpillars are a few examples of them. It is true that it is weird you might be reticent but there is a coherent reason more scientific than gustatory that would probably push you to eat them. Researchers have proven that crickets, caterpillars, worms, and grasshoppers, are 5 times richer than a fresh orange juice in antioxidants, they are rich in B vitamins too. Insects are rich in fat and would be 3