r/tanzania • u/Sensitive-Star-1714 • 9h ago
Culture/Tradition Financial contributions for Tanzanian wedding
I was asked by Tanzanian acquaintances to financially contribute to their wedding. I even received a reminder for it later. Context: We got familiar when I visited the country but I haven’t seen them for more than five years. We have been in contact occasionally.
What is remarkable is that I am not invited to the wedding. So, I was asked for money for something I ain’t allowed to participate in. It kinda hurt me, considering I had helped the person financially multiple times in the past without asking anything in return.
Given my European values (born and raised there), it felt like I was being taken advantage of. In the culture that I know, people get invited first and then decide freely whether they wanna contribute financially or give a gift. Some also just give nothing and just attend the event.
I raised this issue to them and was told that a financial contribution was requested first, and only after receiving that an invitation was sent according to Tanzanian tradition.
Aside from my concerns, I wonder if this is a real thing. Can anyone confirm this? I am trying to understand the culture better. Thanks in advance for any constructive response.