Because Ethiopian weddings are often planned by families, there is no dating culture there. A couple still needs their parents’ approval even if they selected each other. Men often marry between the ages of 28 and 29, while women frequently marry between the ages of 18 and 19.
Before the wedding, the village elders check the family trees of the bride and groom to see if there is connection between them going back up to seven generations. It is forbidden for family members, godparents and godchildren, and married-off relatives to get married. For the first seven generations on both sides, relative marriage is not permitted; however, beyond that, it is. At the wedding ceremony, the priest officiates.
In order to symbolize that they are the “king” and “queen” for the day and should be treated with respect, the bride and groom sit while the priest stands behind them during the ceremony. The ceremony must include the vow-exchange ritual, wedding ring exchange ritual, priest blessing rite, and crown-wearing ritual. Throughout the ceremony, the groom always takes the lead.
