In the Kikuyu traditional culture, 'ngurario' ceremony marked the climax or the final part of marital formalisation process.
In fact, this rite made the marriage so final, that even if the woman got a child from another man, the husband had to take that child and make it his.
Traditionally, 'ngurario' was done before the girl went to the man's home, but nowadays, it is mostly done after, owing to among other things, neutralization of Gikuyu culture by imported foreign cultures.
So, what does the entire 'ngurario' ceremony really entail? Well, it involves at least five elaborate steps, with each having a symbolical significance.
1. Paying to be relieved (Waûri)
On the day of the all-important ceremony, the husband's family and their guests will be carrying with them some assorted gifts to present to the wife's/bride's family before entering the gate of the latter's home.
However, for them to be relieved off their gifts, it was mandatory for them to make some kind of payment; they will have to give some money which is called (wauri).
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Nowadays, it is in the form of cash that is usually given to ladies on the bride’s side so that they can share amongst themselves.
2. Wife Selection (Gucagûra Mûka)
After the husband's family and guests accompanying them are ushered into the homestead and served with food to their satisfaction, the actual ceremony begins by a number of ladies, say 15, entering the house where they are wrapped from head to toe with sheets (macuka) and then divided into at least three groups.
Each group will be called at a time till the husband identifies his wife to the jubilation of present guests. He will, however, be careful not to pick somebody else's wife because there will be a hefty penalty for that.
3. 'Cutting of the shoulder' (Gutinia Kîande)
This is the most significant part of the ceremony where the wife and the husband will change to the Kikuyu traditional attire after which the husband will be asked to cut the shoulder of an earlier traditionally slaughtered goat where he will be assisted by the wife who will hold it.
At this juncture, the husband in front of the crowd will have to agree, though hesitantly, that even if the wife gives birth to a child out of wedlock, he will take care of it.
4. 'Eating of the ears' (Kurîa Matu)
The man of the day is asked to give the wife some ears from the slaughtered goat to eat and as she eats, he will tell her the exercise is meant to make her 'have ears' to hear him whenever he calls her, meaning, she will henceforth be expected to obey and honour the husband's orders/wishes.
5. Taking porridge (Gûkundania Ûcûrû)
Here, the wife will serve the husband porridge (gukundio ucuru). At the same time, about five men accompanied by their wives will be called upon to come in front so that they will also be served porridge by their own wives.
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The woman of the day may begin the activity by first polishing the husband’s shoes, combing his hair or cutting his nails before wrapping him with a towel at the front to act like a baby feeder, all through trying to soothe him so that he may accept her porridge. Once he agrees to take it, the other five men follow suit and they are also fed by their wives.
From there, other guests will take the porridge. It is while guests are still taking the porridge, that selected people from both sides will enter the house, negotiate and give the dowry marking the end of the ceremony.