Xhosa Bride's Attire: Umakoti

The bride's ensemble, known as umakoti attire, signifies her passage from girlhood to womanhood and her respectful entry into a new family. Her clothing is layered with meaning, reflecting her new responsibilities and status.

• Umbhaco and Isishweshwe: The foundation of the bride's attire is often a dress and long skirt made from Isishweshwe (also called Ijermani), a printed and dyed cotton fabric known for its intricate geometric patterns. The complete five-piece outfit, Umbhaco, also includes a black headscarf (iqhiya), a small blanket tied around her waist (ingcawa), and a woolen scarf around her hips, all symbolizing her new marital status.
• Symbolic Blankets: A tartan blanket is often draped over the bride's shoulders, representing the protection and nurturing care she is expected to bring to her new family.

Beaded Adornments (Ubuhlalu): Intricate beadwork is essential. The bride wears beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that denote her family lineage and are believed to offer spiritual protection. A special beaded headdress, the intsimbi, is worn over her iqhiya to prominently display her changed status