Legal Definitions - dowry

Dowry is a gift of money or goods given to a spouse as part of a marriage, depending on the culture. It has been used all over the world, but has been reduced in many places in recent centuries. The nature of the dowry varies by culture.

• In Europe during the Middle Ages, the bride's family paid a dowry to the groom.
• In many Islamic cultures, the groom provides the wife a Maher (dowry) as part of the wedding ceremony.
• In many African cultures, the groom gives the wife a dowry which can be a variety of things in respect for the hardship of labor.

These examples illustrate how dowries can vary by culture and time period. In Europe during the Middle Ages, the dowry system created social changes. In Islamic cultures, the dowry is part of the wedding ceremony. In African cultures, the dowry is given as a sign of respect for the wife's labor.