Bilen in Eritrea

Introduction / History

Bilen is an ethnic group that only lives in Eritrea. Their language is also called Bilen.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Engagement is arranged by family; the couple has no say whatsoever in their future married life. If for some reason the two lovers get married without prior permission from their parents, the boy is obliged to pay a certain sum of money plus an ox to the girl's father. Beauty, riches, and health are also prime qualifications for the bride. The couple may be promised to each other's families while still in their mother's womb. When a woman gives birth for the first time, she goes to her parent s house. If the labor pangs take more time than normal, they say prayers on her behalf.

Divorce is very difficult to implement. It is customary that in the event it is the man who is seeking a divorce, he has only to leave the house: the wife remains in the house will all the couple's property under her care. On the other hand, if the wife is seeking a divorce, she leaves the house without much ado. If both parties want a divorce, the properties are divided equally between them. The husband would provide some form of alimony to a pregnant woman who is divorcing him until she gives birth. After a divorce, there is a grace period of three months in which time the husband may change his mind and ask for a reconciliation.

A lot of money and time is spent on weddings and honeymoon ceremonies. A newly married couple will live with the groom's family for quite awhile but when they have their own house, the role they play in society changes. They become full members of society, with more privileges, although the woman is never equal to the man. The husband is the only breadwinner and can do whatever he likes with the property. Everything in the house is under his control.

The woman is confined to the kitchen and serves only to produce his children. If she is given some work like poultry to tend, it is because such activities may seem degrading for a man to even pay attention to. Only men can only land. Women are clearly in an inferior position.

After the wedding ceremony, the groom holds a seven-day feast from his own expenses and from money offered by friends. The friends spend this week dancing, singing, and drinking. It is a week of merry making and debauchery. Throughout the seven days that the bride is in the house of her in-laws, the groom is not supposed to touch her. After the celebration is over and the friends go home, the groom offers a gift to the bride, a way of coaxing her to lie in bed with him. Once the marriage is consummated, the one-year long honeymoon starts in which period the bride is allowed to perform light household chores only. Heavy domestic work is done by the mother-in-law. When the year ends, the bride takes over the responsibilities and starts real work in the house and outside. Nothing really changes in the manner of work assigned to the groom. A poor couple would have no chance to enjoy this year off.

Until the age of four, children's play is the same both for male and female. Children are made to wear small beads and seashells than jingle. Most of the time they play by building sand castles whenever the soil becomes softer after the rains. After the age of four, gender separation in games is visible. The boys get more interested in tough games, while the girls tend to prefer lighter games; this is preparation for the different roles that males and females will play as adults.

Punishment is administered by the mother to a child below the age of ten, and by the father and other relatives up to the age of 19. Delinquents are made to spend the night naked in a net, and if the teenager proves to be unrepentant, the parents consult with church elders for a possible "incarceration" of the offender in a church's boarding school. The youth are groomed throughout the early years to conform to the values and traditions of their society, and to preserve and respect their culture.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Bilen are mostly Catholics. Most also engage in traditional religion.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bilen are about half Christian, but their churches and families need revival.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move mightily in Bilen churches, anointing some to be healers, others to be evangelists and others to disciple those who lack spiritual direction.
Pray for them to experience a time of material and spiritual growth that will endear them to the Lord of lords.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in their families, drawing husbands to love their wives as God always intended.

Text Source:   Joshua Project