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Interesting facts about the Ijaw traditional marriage ceremony.
The Ijaw people just like most cultures in Nigeria often have introduction ceremonies in which the groom and his family officialy introduce themselves to the bride and her family.
A thread.
The Ijaw people just like most cultures in Nigeria often have introduction ceremonies in which the groom and his family officialy introduce themselves to the bride and her family.
A thread.
In the Ijaw culture, this is known as Ware ogiga gbolo (introduction)which when translated means to knock. Although the suitor must have initially visited the parents of the bride to inform them of his intentions, upon which he would be given a date to come for the introduction..
After introduction the next phase is the traditional marriage proper, the date for the traditional marriage is decided by both families.
This is where it gets interesting. A list is given to the groom to be, this list contains some of the following Unlike other ethnic groups, the Ijaw list
does not contain food items, except for salt.
does not contain food items, except for salt.
Traditionally, the list includes;
20 litres of gin
A canoe and fishing nets
Lantern
Mortar and pestle
Box of clothes
Money for parents of the bride
Tobacco
Money for the maidens
Outfits for the parents
Money for 'the bride’s waist' (just
money for mahe bride)
20 litres of ginA canoe and fishing netsLanternMortar and pestleBox of clothesMoney for parents of the brideTobaccoMoney for the maidensOutfits for the parentsMoney for 'the bride’s waist' (justmoney for mahe bride)
Money for the brothersTimes have changed; most people now live in cities, so the canoe and fishing nets are now monetised and handed over to the bride along-side money for her waist.
On the day of marriage, The bride’s family would first of all ensure the requirements on the list have been
fulfilled. As usual, before the bride is
presented to the family of the groom, other maidens are presented to be sure the groom knows his bride.
fulfilled. As usual, before the bride is
presented to the family of the groom, other maidens are presented to be sure the groom knows his bride.
The maidens are covered with fabric. Once she has been identified, the gifts would be accepted and the bride and groom would be blessed in the traditional way.
Interesting thing to note about the
Ijaw traditional ceremony is how the groom is made to spend money.
that during the marriage ceremony, an Ijaw bride is not expected to smile until she has been sprayed a lot of money by the groom and his family.
Ijaw traditional ceremony is how the groom is made to spend money.
that during the marriage ceremony, an Ijaw bride is not expected to smile until she has been sprayed a lot of money by the groom and his family.
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