When Shona men want to marry, they must follow special steps to pay a dowry called roora. The process starts with sending someone to speak for the man. This person tells the bride's family about the man's wish to marry their daughter. The messenger helps both sides talk about marriage plans.
Next comes the grocery phase where the groom brings food items to the family. He needs to bring exactly what they ask for without changes. Following their list carefully shows respect toward his future in-laws. The family watches how well he follows their requests.
After bringing groceries, the bride's family asks for a wooden plate. They place this plate down during a ceremony called sunungura homwe. The groom pays a small amount just to start talking with the family. Sometimes, they charge extra small fees if rules were broken during earlier visits.
The fourth stage includes two important payments—one for Dad, Matekenyandebvu, and another for Mom, Mbereko. Parents or guardians who raised the bride receive these gifts. Mom's payment stays firm, but Dad's amount can change through talking. These payments honor those who raised the girl.
During stage five, the man brings a live goat to the meeting. People kill this goat as part of the ceremony. Everyone cooks the entire animal together. They serve this meal after finishing all the marriage talks. Eating together marks a growing friendship between families.
The bride herself receives money during stage six. She picks cash from the plate herself as her gift. Sometimes, her aunt or sister decides this amount. The bride uses this money to buy cooking tools or things needed at home. This shows she is preparing for married life.
Rusambo arrives as the seventh and most crucial stage. Previous steps must be finished before reaching this point. The price reflects how wealthy the groom appears. Both families consider social status when setting prices. Men can pay over time but must make partial payments. Failing any payment cancels everything.
Long ago, families gave real cattle during stage eight. These days many pay cash equal to market prices instead. Tradition expects seven or eight cows in total. One special cow called mombe yeumai goes directly to the mother-in-law. This living cow should give birth later showing blessing on the marriage.
The final phase requires clothing gifts for all in-laws after paying Rusambo. Kupinzwa mumusha happens later when the groom visits their home as a family. He learns the traditional greeting called Gusvi. Both parents request complete outfits from head to shoes. These gifts finish the formal process.
The entire roora ceremony celebrates love rather than making money. Each family approaches these steps differently—some demand everything exactly right, while others accept variations when they see genuine affection. The process proves commitment when a man saves money specifically to marry someone he loves deeply.
Next comes the grocery phase where the groom brings food items to the family. He needs to bring exactly what they ask for without changes. Following their list carefully shows respect toward his future in-laws. The family watches how well he follows their requests.
After bringing groceries, the bride's family asks for a wooden plate. They place this plate down during a ceremony called sunungura homwe. The groom pays a small amount just to start talking with the family. Sometimes, they charge extra small fees if rules were broken during earlier visits.
The fourth stage includes two important payments—one for Dad, Matekenyandebvu, and another for Mom, Mbereko. Parents or guardians who raised the bride receive these gifts. Mom's payment stays firm, but Dad's amount can change through talking. These payments honor those who raised the girl.
During stage five, the man brings a live goat to the meeting. People kill this goat as part of the ceremony. Everyone cooks the entire animal together. They serve this meal after finishing all the marriage talks. Eating together marks a growing friendship between families.
The bride herself receives money during stage six. She picks cash from the plate herself as her gift. Sometimes, her aunt or sister decides this amount. The bride uses this money to buy cooking tools or things needed at home. This shows she is preparing for married life.
Rusambo arrives as the seventh and most crucial stage. Previous steps must be finished before reaching this point. The price reflects how wealthy the groom appears. Both families consider social status when setting prices. Men can pay over time but must make partial payments. Failing any payment cancels everything.
Long ago, families gave real cattle during stage eight. These days many pay cash equal to market prices instead. Tradition expects seven or eight cows in total. One special cow called mombe yeumai goes directly to the mother-in-law. This living cow should give birth later showing blessing on the marriage.
The final phase requires clothing gifts for all in-laws after paying Rusambo. Kupinzwa mumusha happens later when the groom visits their home as a family. He learns the traditional greeting called Gusvi. Both parents request complete outfits from head to shoes. These gifts finish the formal process.
The entire roora ceremony celebrates love rather than making money. Each family approaches these steps differently—some demand everything exactly right, while others accept variations when they see genuine affection. The process proves commitment when a man saves money specifically to marry someone he loves deeply.
