It reminds people to cherish and support family, neighbours and friends. Happiness and success come from working together. The amount is usually paid in cattle, cash or a combination of the two. Men and women can choose their own partners, but both sets of parents must usually approve the match. Wedding celebrations can last several days.
Guests bring gifts, and relatives help out.
A feast is prepared, and everyone enjoys singing and dancing. I n rural areas, men and women have sharply defined roles. Men fish or hunt, and perform heavy farming tasks. Women work on the farms, raise children, perform all household jobs and sell goods in the market. Women in rural Zambia traditionally have had a lower status than men.