Marriage is celebrated all over the world, with each culture having its unique style of celebration reflecting its values, customs, and beliefs. In my own culture (the Igbo culture) here in Nigeria, there are the most significant customs, traditions, and practices that define wedding ceremonies, which I have witnessed for several years, and in this post, I will do well to share in detail.
My twin brother and his wife during their traditional wedding ceremony
Firstly, weddings are important events that bring two families together. When two couples agree to make a new family, they as well unite their two individual families, which brings new connections that don't end on the wedding day but go beyond it. This is why for every marriage in my culture, adequate investigation is made prior to family acceptance of the union.
In Igbo culture, one of the most significant cultural practices when it comes to traditional weddings is the presentation of the kola nut, which symbolizes unity and shared blessings.
This tradition demonstrates hospitality, and it is anchored by the eldest of the bride's family. The eldest says some prayers, breaks the kola nut, and shares it among the attendees. This is one of our cherished rituals that can never be omitted in wedding ceremonies upon the arrival of the groom's family and which expresses a heartfelt welcome to all.
Another significant cultural practice in Igbo traditional weddings is the wine carrying, which symbolizes a sip of unity and promise.
Tradition marriage ceremony of my youngest sister
This is observed at the middle of the ceremony. Here, the groom is hidden in the midst of other attendees while the bride is not available. Then the bride is made to carry wine and search for her groom upon her return. The bride will first of all visit her father while he gives her a cup of palm wine to go for the ultimate search.
The bride will be accompanied by her bridesmaids during the search, dancing to traditional songs while on the search with many guests distracting her, claiming to be her groom, lol. Once she succeeds in finding her groom, she will kneel down and feed the groom with the wine a bit ..
The groom will also collect the wine from her and give her another sip, after which the groom will put some money inside the cup, and they both return the cup to the bride's father while they kneel down to receive the marriage blessings from the father, sealing their marriage!
The final most significant cultural practice in Igbo traditional weddings is the dowry, which symbolizes a treasured exchange of blessings.
The payment of dowry by the groom simply means his commitment to the bride's life and his willingness to take care of her throughout their union and not a transaction per se. For this, there's no specific amount of money to be paid, just any amount the groom is willing to give to the bride's family, expressing togetherness as well as cooperation and their desire to contribute to the bride's life.
The traditional wedding cake crafted by my sister in-law to demonstrate our culture
Overall, these practices demonstrate shared values and deep connections to our tradition and culture, strengthening family bonds, reverencing marriage as a sacred institution, and preserving our traditions.
This post is in response to the ladies of Hive community contest #219. Interested in joining? Here's is the prompt link.