Traditional Marriage Ceremonies in Africa. Traditional marriage ceremonies in Africa are always full of fun, vibrant colours, entertainment and of course lots of food! In Africa, it is generally believed that marriage involves, the entire family of the intending couple. It is not just two people getting married, that is why it is always a big and highly celebrated occasion. Using the Yoruba people of Nigeria as an example; their traditional wedding is divided into two events. The first is known as monmi-monho (meaning “introduction”). This is the point when the groom’s family will be officially introduced to the bride’s family. This is usually a low-key event compared to the wedding, yet it is very significant. During this event, the date for the wedding will be chosen and jointly agreed by both families. Also during the “Introduction” the bride’s family will give a list of traditional items expected to be brought to the traditional wedding by the other family. An example of this would be: •2 Different Pairs of Shoes and Bags. •2 Head Scarfs (Gele) of high quality. •Gold Wrist Watch. 1 Traditional Cloth (Aso-Oke). •4 Other Assorted Clothes. •42 pcs of Obi (Kola nut). •42 pcs of Orogbo (Bitter kola). •42 pcs of Atare (Alligator pepper). •1 Decanter of Pure Honey. •1 Big Dish of Aadun (peppered Corn meal). •1 Big Dish of Sugar. •42 pcs of Big Eja Osan (Dry fish). •1 Big Dish of Salt. •42 Tubers of Big Yam. •1 Roll of Sugar. •1 Big Bag of Salt. •1 Umbrella. Since the introduction ceremony is only a preview, very few selected members of both families are expected to be in attendance. Fast forward to the main traditional wedding event. This entire event usually plays out like one well-rehearsed sitcom. There will be two main narrators representing both families. “Alaga Ijoko” (sitting MC for the bride’s family) and “Alaga Iduro” (standing MC) for the groom’s family. Between them, these two main characters anchor the whole wedding event with grace. They throw banters, exchange jokes and ensure that everyone has a hilarious time There are steps to be followed, and major highlights of the whole event include: 1.The Arrival of the groom’s family. This signals the start of the ceremony. They are expected to keep to the time set: failure to do so will result in a “fine” that must be paid. Leading the groom’s group will be their spokesperson (Alaga Iduro), who will announce their presence with songs and traditional drums. They will dance into the premises and go straight to greet the already waiting bride’s family. Their women will kneel down while their men prostrate. Then they can take their seats. 2.The Proposal and Acceptance: Once seated, the business of the day kicks into full gear. An elaborate “proposal letter” will be accepted from the grooms father and replied to by the bride’s family, and officially giving their consent as a family to the union. 3.Meeting the Groom: Once the consent is given, the groom is ushered in first. He will be led in dancing to songs by ‘Alaga Iduro’ and accompanied by all his friends. He will then prostrate to greet his in-law. 4.Bringing in the Bride: Once the groom is greeted and shown his seat, the bride will then be brought in, accompanied by her friends under a veil to avoid the groom seeing her. She will then kneel in-front of both families for prayers and blessings. Once this is done, she would then be taken to where her husband is sitting. He will be asked to remove her veil and, to show that she accepts his proposal. 5. Bling! After this, she will be asked to pick out something she wants from the gifts brought by the groom’s family. A good wife to be is expected to pick her religious package (according to her religion) to which her engagement ring is attached. The groom then puts the ring on her finger. 6.Traditionally, Africans believe in the payment of bride price (dowry) and this is when envelopes come out. Envelopes for the bride’s family will be presented. Symbolically, the bride’s family will return the envelopes that contains the bride price, stating that their daughter is not for sale! 7.Once this is done, the engagement cake (if available) will be cut by the couple, and pictures are taken for posterity. And the ceremony is finally brought to an end and the proper party starts with lots of food and drinks! Next time you will read about the Ghanaian traditional marriage ceremony.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Oct 2013 08:35:32 +0000
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