Here is the story of some important symbols in the customary Kikuyu Marriage
Rites in Kenya.  On completion of the dowry a feast is arranged at the home of
the girl (bride).  The boy (groom) comes with his age mates, family members and
elders.  A young male goat or ram is slaughtered and roasted.  The groom cuts
off the shoulder of the goat and gives a part of the meat to his bride who goes
off to eat it with her girl friends (bridesmaids) away from the wedding party. 
This is a symbol of the bridegroom serving and sharing with his bride. 

   
The
girls then come back with porridge made from maize meal and millet in
calabashes.  The groom tries to refuse the porridge with the excuse that his
hair, tie or shoes are not presentable and that he needs help from his bride. 
When the bride assists the groom as a sign of her love and service, he then
accepts the porridge from his bride and the other girls hand their porridge to
the other boys. This is followed by a general celebration with songs and
dances.  At this point the customary Kikuyu marriage is complete and the couple
go to the groom’s home.