Culture and Traditions are many in Botswana. Since the first paved roads did not get built until the 1960s many villages established different traditions from eachother. Local village life and culture evolved over hundreds of years into places rich in traditions. The culture in my village is very social and inclusive of all members of the community, especially for traditional weddings and funerals, where everyone is invited.
Wedding tradition of the 'Bogadi' or Bride price. This traditional marriage practice involves the groom or groom's family giving cattle to the brides family to be considered as a husband to their daughter. The Bride Price is typically 8 cows. This was ussually brought to a corral at the village center where the two sets of parents discuss and determine if this amount is appropriate to compensate the bride's parents for their effort in raising her. In modern times the exchange of cattle is not always physical completed, instead the value of 8 cows is provided to the brides family in cash. This amount today is about $3500.00. This is a lot of money as many people from botswana make much less over the course of a year.
