Weddings come off as a big deal in most parts of the world. They may take a day to two to happen but they require a lot of planning and preparation.
The wedding ceremony comes with different traditions and customs. In Nigerian, here are 5 wedding traditions that are not ignored:
1. Introduction
Also called ‘door knocking’, this is the time when key members of both the bride and groom’s families officially meet themselves and get to know each other. During the introduction, someone from the groom’s family makes their intention known to the bride’s family and the bride’s father or his representative acknowledges this and asks the bride for her opinion. The introduction is usually a small ‘parlour’ affair although these days, some families turn it into a mini traditional wedding ceremony.
2. Owambe
Owambe in Nigeria means “the party is here”. Most Nigerian weddings always have that owambe feel. Different people from different cultural backgrounds gather to share happiness, food, dance, and music while rejoicing with the newlyweds.
2. Asoebi
The word aso in Yoruba means cloth and ebi denote family. A Nigerian wedding is usually incomplete without the different aso-ebi fashion styles outfits. In most cases, the bride’s family has their special aso-ebi, the groom’s family has theirs, the friends of the couple have theirs and so on.
4. Sharing of souvenirs
Most Nigerians can relate to sharing of wedding souvenirs. In the usual Nigerian wedding, guests who give the couple a wedding gift, go back home with wedding souvenirs. This may come in the form of plastic hand fans, plastic dustpans, plates, Ankara, cups, jotters, travelling bags etc. Most of these items come branded with the couple’s names or their pictures. Souvenirs serve as lovely reminders that the guests were at that wedding.
5. Food
What is a wedding ceremony without food? Food for the party after the ceremony is typically provided by the family of the bride. Traditionally, the entire meal is prepared by the bride’s mom and her family, in her home kitchen. Alternatively, couples can secure the services of a Nigerian caterer who can make an authentic, home-cooked meal for guests..