Marriage

Marriage is definitely one of Burkinabe culture, customs, and etiquette that may interest you. In previous years, arranged marriages were the norm but this has become rare nowadays, more so in urban settings. In a traditional marriage, the husband is required to give the wife's family a bride price. The amount paid is different from one ethnic group to the other with regard to substantial and symbolic contributions and it may take a long time to acquire. Interethnic marriages are typically discouraged by differences in bride prices, yet they are nonetheless common in some nearby areas. After marriage, women are expected to join their husbands. This forms a coalition between the two families.

In Burkina Faso, the rate of divorce is quite high. People can divorce, the children are expected to stay with the father’s family, and when the woman remarries, the bride price is given to the previous husband’s family. After a husband passes away, the widow gets married off to one of her husband's brothers. Besides, Burkina Faso also has child marriages, 52% of girls are married before the age of 18 years, and 10% are married before they turn 15.