BETWEEN TRADITION AND MODERNITY: ETHNOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVES ON MARRIAGE PRACTICES IN ETHIOPIA, NAMIBIA, ROMANIA AND SENEGAL

The purpose of this study is to examine and compare the traditional marriage practices of four culturally distinct communities: the Amhara in Ethiopia, Damara/Nama in Namibia, Crișana in Romania, and Diola in Senegal to understand their cultural significance, evolution, and resilience in the face of globalization and modernization. Employing ethnographic research methods, including field surveys, structured interviews, and literature reviews, the study highlights the pre-marital, marital, and post-marital rituals that define the cultural identity of these groups. The findings reveal both unique and shared elements in engagement ceremonies, dowry practices, wedding attire, and familial roles. While some communities, such as Crișana and Amhara, exhibit a blend of tradition and modernity, others, like Damara/Nama and Diola, remain more rooted in traditional norms. The insights gained contribute to broader understandings of cultural diversity, social dynamics, and the evolution of traditional practices in a globalized world. By documenting and analyzing these marriage practices, the research contributes to preserving the cultural heritage and can foster cultural appreciation for tourist experiences capitalized in some countries through the living museums (i.e. Damaraland, Mbunza, etc from Namibia).