The Igbos are one of the three dominant ethnic groups in Nigeria. They hold their culture in high esteem and inhabit 5 states- Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Abia and Anambra-in the South East.
The igbo traditional marriage close to big festivals as families party in pomp and pageantry, grandly parading extravagance and riches as a communal status symbol.
Here are a few fun facts about the Igbo traditional wedding.
1. Compulsory trips to the bride’s village
If the groom is from another ethnic group, he may not look forward to this but, it is an inescapable ritual. The groom may be lucky if the bride’s parents are in Lagos and do not really have strong ties with their hometown.
However, if the reverse is the case, the parents of the bride may insist that the wedding be held in the village, after he travels to see the elders of the family living there.
Although people from other tribes are often amazed at these traditional rites of the Igbos, it adds to the thrills and fun of Igbo conjugal bliss.
2. Wine carrying (Igba Nkwu)
Wine carrying is a core part of the wedding. It is a feature that invited guests should look out for as it lends credence to the unique nature of Igbo culture.
It is a gallant display where the bride is required to present freshly-tapped palm wine to her soon-to-be husband. She looks for him in the crowd as an enthusiastic group of men jokingly compete for her attention. Once she picks him out, her kneels touch the ground before him as she presents the cup of palm wine for him to drink from.
The tricky part is that it is important for the groom to be to accept this wine and guzzle every drop. If he rejects it, it means he rejects the woman.
3. It is quite expensive
Igbo traditional marriages are some of the most expensive in the country. Compared to weddings in other ethnic groups, this ceremony often serves as an opportunity to showcase wealth and social status.
According to native custom, the groom uses this ceremony to compensate the parents for raising a decent and responsible daughter and prove his worth as a man.
4. The bride price is an integral part
The bride price attached to marrying an Igbo woman gives many men a scary feeling as the list of items demanded by the bride’s family can be overbearing.
Due to this, there is a public perception that they want to sell their ‘girls’, however this is not the case.
The bride price is negotiable but it is the role of the groom’s family to persuade the betrothed his father to trim the items on the list. Bargain items like kegs of palm oil and tubers of yam, if you truly love your woman and want a healthy purse after the wedding!
Image: Palmfront