Yarrad

Yarrad is property—money, livestock, gold, cloth, or household goods—transferred between the families of the groom and bride in connection with marriage. The term is also called "bride price" in many contexts, though legally yarrad and bridewealth are distinct. The social purpose of yarrad is typically to publicly confirm the marriage bond and establish lasting relations between the two families.

Yarrad is not a single practice. In some societies it flows from the groom's side to the bride's family (commonly called bridewealth or customary bridewealth). In others it flows from the bride's family to the new couple or the groom's family (dowry). The two forms have markedly different social and economic consequences.

Forms of transfer

When property flows from the groom's side, it is typically negotiated before cohabitation and paid in full or installments. The value is determined through discussion between elders or relatives of both parties, taking into account the financial situation of the families and local custom. When property flows from the bride's side, it commonly takes the form of household goods, money, or land intended for the couple to begin their own household.

Bridewealth and yarrad

Under Islamic law, bridewealth (mahr) is a personal right granted by the groom to the bride, not payment to her family. It is recorded in the marriage contract and the bride has full control of it. The customary yarrad exchanged between families is a separate matter, even though in practice the two are sometimes conflated.

Dispute and change

Rising yarrad costs are seen as a factor discouraging young people from marrying, particularly in cities where wedding expenses have increased. Many countries have enacted laws limiting or prohibiting yarrad, citing concerns that it creates financial hardship or discrimination against women and their families. Enforcement of such laws is often difficult, since marriage agreements occur within families.