Final answer:
Bride wealth, also known as bride price, is the traditional wedding present given to the newlyweds. It is a transfer of material and symbolic value from the groom's family to the bride's family. The items exchanged can vary depending on the culture and may include money, cattle, house goods, or jewelry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bride wealth (also called bride price) is the traditional wedding present given to the newlyweds. It is the transfer of material and symbolic value from the groom's family to the bride's family. The items exchanged can vary depending on the cultural group and may include money, cattle, house goods, jewelry, or symbolic ritual artifacts. In some societies, a portion of the bride wealth is paid before the marriage ceremony, while the rest is paid later to maintain a respectful debt from the groom's side. If the marriage ends in divorce, the bride wealth is often returned to signify the dissolution of the contract. In modern times, contemporary wedding presents have also become popular, such as gold jewelry, cars, furniture, appliances, and land.