It is a well known fact that the culture of vast number of African nations cannot be a ablated even with the influence of the western world. These set of traditions and culture include
•Masquerade
•New Yam festival
•Traditional marriage rites
•Omugwo (New birth)
•Iwa Akwa (Maturity rite for men) among others
I will be writing about the Igbo Marriage in IMO state, Nigeria , Africa.
**BEFORE THE DAY**
So many events happen before the main traditional marriage day. It is rumored that the marriage actually takes place days before the Trad Day.
There are so many 'OUTINGS' which take place. But it varies on the particular region the person is from. I will be talking about my people.
1st Meeting
This is when the Grooms family, goes to meet the Bride's family for an 'INTRODUCTION'.
Introduction usually means the first time the groom will indicate interest in a bride and will come with his people to let the bride's family know.
Here, the Groom's family is entertained by the Bride and her people with native meals
That's a keg of Palmwine
2nd coming
This time, as the groom people are going, the go with certain demands from the bride's family. On second coming, the groom's family come to fulfill the demands which they receive..
Main day (Traditional marriage Day)
This is the money spending day!
It is done in the brides compoind and hosted by the brides family.
People are invited
The bride is on her best
There is the bridal train which ushers the bride into the environment
There is the little kids who dance and welcome people
The events ends when the bride identifies her husband in the crowd and the rest of the event is all dance and songs
**Conclusion** >It is every young ladies dream and every young man to have an elaborate Traditional wedding as the whole community looks out for each age group and the people in it The Nigerian society is community based and you can't have a 'Just family' event... We all are always invited!
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Look out for my Post on Masquerade Celebration In Nigeria.
Ciao
PS: All pictures were taken by me