Pre-Wedding Prayer

The hair combing ceremony for the bride on the eve of the wedding was something I had never heard of before. But Alicia decided to include it for her daughter, Eva - and the entire ceremony was thoughtfully arranged by Aunty Monie.

While I firmly believe that a successful marriage is not determined by rituals or traditions alone, a ceremony like this is a beautiful expression of a parent's heartfelt wishes. It symbolizes the desire to see her daughter embrace the fullness of joy, love, and companionship in her married life. More than that, it was a meaningful and memorable experience - filled with warmth, smiles, and a touch of cultural charm.

Of course, it takes much more than a symbolic gesture like hair combing to build a strong and lasting marriage. Marriage requires a daily, conscious commitment from both partners - a shared resolve to love, grow, forgive, and walk together through the ups and downs of life.

In my view, the likelihood of a successful marriage increases significantly when God is placed at the centre. That’s why I believe a prayer at the end of the ceremony - inviting God’s presence and guidance - can make a real difference. Ultimately, however, it’s still the bride and groom who must choose, each day, to honour their vows and nurture their relationship.