LOH #219: YORUBA TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE PROCESS

Cover image was created using canva

Nigeria is known for it's deep rooted belief in traditional laws and customs, this is so because we have many ethnic groups in the country that tend to has various cultural beliefs that guides their value system. Hence, marriage is a ceremony that holds deep rooted values for each cultural representation. With specific details on the Yoruba tribal aspects of Nigeria, we as a people have different processes we go through when a man and a woman are to be joined together in marriage, these includes the introduction, the proposal, the engagement, the religious/ church wedding, the reception and some other rites that follow.

It is worthy to Note that, the process of the engagement, which is also known as the traditional marriage is one that is considered the most important part of a union. This process is laced with various activities which will be mentioned in this blog.

Firstly, the first most significant tradition, customs, and practices in the yoruba land that defines wedding ceremonies is the introduction also known as "knowing each other". During this process, the families of the man and the woman come together to introduce themselves formally. This occasion does not necessarily involve large ceremonies or event, rather it can be done living room of the girls parents. This is so because the man has to come from wherever he is to visit the girls parents with his family, all they do is come bearing gifts such as kola nuts, palm wine and so on, to show that they have good intentions for their daughter.

The second significant event that happens is the proposal, during this process the family comes together to reach an agreement on the date to carry out the proper engagement ceremony and the church marriage if feasible. After this process is carried out, the next step is one of the Major ceremonies that will bind the couples together traditionally and this is called the engagement / traditional marriage.

The engagement as the most elaborate and important part of the marriage, the bride and groom is endowed in beautiful yoruba attires with matching beads that depicts the culture. During the engagement, the grooms family presents a proposal letter to the Brides family to formally ask for their daughter's hand in marriage. This letter is read by the bride's sister if she has any or any younger female in the family. After this, the bride's family accepts the letter and they proceed to the important aspect of the engagement which is the "Bride price".

The Bride price presentation is a tradition in the Yoruba culture where the groom and his family is called bearing items as requested by the Brides family. Some of such items includes honey, Bible, kola nuts, alcohol, money which is the dowry, yams, palm wine and so on. After these has been submitted the groom postrates for the bride's family and the Bride is presented as well. After all this has been done, they exchange rings and prayers are offered that God should bless the Union and they would have great children in the future, the cut their cakes and merry all day

The next step is not so important, because the church wedding is optional and not a must. If they do not want to go through this process, it is advisable for couples to perform marriage blessings which can be done quietly and personally without crowds.

In conclusion, these are the traditional processes, customs and traditions that guide a union in my country.

This is my participation in the @ladiesofhive weekly community contest.

Marriage is a universal tradition, yet its celebration reflects the unique values, customs, and traditions of each culture. What are the most significant traditions, customs, and practices that define wedding ceremonies in your culture? How do they embody your community's heritage and beliefs?