The Igbo tradition is one of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The Igbos inhabit 5 states- Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Anambra-in the South East and hold their tradition in very high esteem.
In this tradition, traditional marriages are usually held at the bride’s home with so much jubilation and grandly parading extravagance and riches as a communal status symbol.
In this article, I will discuss and highlight 4 very unique things associated with the traditional marriages of the Igbo’s.
1.) Trip To The Bride’s Hometown
This is almost an unavoidable ritual when it comes to an Igbo traditional marriage. If the man is from another tribe, it is usually a trip to look forward to as it adds to the thrills and fun of Igbo conjugal bliss.
This ritual also depends on where the parents of the bride are living. In some cases, the bride’s parents might be living in the city and not too bothered about going to the village.
However, some insist that the wedding be held in the village after he travels to see the elders of the family living there.
2.) Wine Carrying (Igba Nkwu)
This is a beautiful display where the bride is required to present freshly-tapped palm wine to her soon-to-be husband. She looks for him in the crowd as an enthusiastic group of men jokingly compete for her attention. Once she picks him out, she kneels down before him as she presents the cup of palm wine for him to drink from.
3.) The Brideprice Is Very Important
There is a negative perception about this aspect because most people think they are selling their girls as the brideprice is usually overbearing.
The bride price is negotiable but it is the role of the groom’s family to persuade the betrothed his father to trim the items on the list.
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