I learned about the lobola handover ceremony, which is where the bride price is paid from the groom's family to the bride's family. Traditionally, the price is paid in cattle, usually about eight cows. In modern times, people tend to pay the monetary equivalent of that, usually about 5,000 pula ($368 USD) per cow.
During the ceremony, the cattle is handed over to the bride's family who hosts the ceremony. All of the women gather and sit with their legs outstretched. A few prayers are said and speeches are given. Additionally, the bride is gifted clothes and tailored dresses and many of the ladies give the bride some marital advice.
The community has this tradition to unite the two families before the wedding commences. To pay the lobola is a sign of respect and appreciation to the bride's family for raising her while validating the marriage in the community.
Cattle farming is one of the biggest industries that the community works in. Almost every family has a cattle farm and lets cows graze freely. Cattle is a form of currency for the community, since they sell their product for beef.
