Ghost marriage (Sudanese)

In Sudan, a ghost marriage is a marriage where a deceased groom is replaced by his brother. The brother serves as a stand in to the bride, and any resulting children are considered children of the deceased spouse. This unusual type of marriage is nearly exclusive to the Dinka (Jieng) and Nuer tribes of Southern Sudan, although instances of such marriages have also occurred in France.

Nuer women do not marry deceased men only to continue the man's bloodline. In accordance to Nuer tradition, any wealth owned by the woman becomes property of the man after the marriage. Thus, a wealthy woman may marry a deceased man to retain her wealth, instead of giving it up after marrying. Among the Nuer, a ghost marriage is nearly as common as a marriage to a live man.

See also

• Ghost marriage (Chinese)
• Levirate marriage
• Posthumous marriage

References

• http://anthro.palomar.edu/marriage/marriage_4.htm
• Lecture from MIT Professor Howe.
• Que(e)Rying Religion: A Critical Anthology by Gary David Comstock and Susan E. Henking