Ruracio Steps

Ruracio has been a solemn practice in Kikuyu traditional culture as it involves the negotiations and payment of the bride price before any marriage can be completed. 

• Njurio

Kumenya Mucii (Get to know the bride's home) ...

Kuhanda Ithigi (groom officially books the bride) ...

Kuracia - (actual dowry payment) ...

Itara- bride's family visits the groom's homestead. ...

Ngurario- climax of the ceremony.

"Kuhanda ithigi" in Kikuyu translates to "planting a tree branch" and is a symbolic act in a Kikuyu traditional marriage ceremony, signifying the groom's intent to marry and taking the bride "off the market". 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Meaning:

"Kuhanda" means "to plant," and "ithigi" refers to a tree branch or twig. 

·         Symbolism:

The act of planting a tree branch symbolizes that the groom has chosen the woman and is taking her off the market, signifying a commitment to marriage. 

·         Context:

This ritual is part of the "kuhanda ithigi" ceremony, a pre-wedding tradition where the groom's family formally requests the bride's hand in marriage. 

·         Other traditions:

The groom also delivers "mwati na harika" (a young sheep and goat) to the bride's family as part of the dowry negotiations and to further solidify the intention of marriage. 

·         Modern Relevance:

While traditional, the "kuhanda ithigi" ceremony continues to be a significant and meaningful part of Kikuyu cultural weddings