{"id":295744,"date":"2023-08-25T09:58:45","date_gmt":"2023-08-25T08:58:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/?p=295744"},"modified":"2023-08-25T09:58:45","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T08:58:45","slug":"process-of-traditional-marriage-in-igbo-land-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/process-of-traditional-marriage-in-igbo-land-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Process of Traditional Marriage in Igbo Land (Explained)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article seeks to explain all there is to know about the process of traditional marriage in Igbo land. Whether you intend to get married to an Igbo lady or are curious to learn what an Igbo traditional marriage entails, read this piece to the end to satisfy your search intent. We&#8217;ll begin with the introduction ceremony where the would-be groom would announce his interest in marrying an Igbo lady up to the point she would be officially given out in marriage upon completion of all the required rites.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-295745\" src=\"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Process-of-Traditional-Marriage-in-Igbo-Land-Explained.jpg\" alt=\"Process of Traditional Marriage in Igbo Land (Explained)\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Process-of-Traditional-Marriage-in-Igbo-Land-Explained.jpg 600w, https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Process-of-Traditional-Marriage-in-Igbo-Land-Explained-500x400.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The process of traditional marriage in Igbo land is explained below:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1: Iku Ika or Iju Ese (Door Knocking)\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step of every Igbo traditional marriage is the introduction ceremony. This is when the groom along with his family members and friends visits the family of the Igbo lady he intends to marry to officially seek her hand in marriage. The first part of the introduction is known as <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iku Ika<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is translated as: &#8220;door knocking&#8221;. Sometimes, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iju Ese<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; meaning &#8221; to ask or inquire&#8221;, Is used interchangeably with <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iku Ika.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As earlier stated, the groom is expected to visit his intended bride&#8217;s family, of which he would be accompanied by his parents, family members, and friends (optional). The purpose of this visit is to make his intention known to the parents of the bride-to-be. According to the customs of the Igbo people, the groom-to-be is expected to come with some discretionary gifts such as a gallon of palm wine, some kola nuts, and alcoholic drinks or wines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it is during this visit the intention of the groom to marry the bride would be announced, he wouldn&#8217;t be the one to disclose the information, instead an elderly person who accompanied him would act as his spokesman. The spokesman could be his father, uncle or any other relative of the groom who is elderly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upon announcement of the intention of marrying the bride to her parents, she would be called upon to give a response in the presence of everyone present at the gathering. If she responds in a positive by giving a &#8220;yes&#8221;, the gift items brought by the groom&#8217;s family will be accepted and shared. However, the parents of the girl would be asked to either accept or deny the proposal, regardless of what reply the bride gave. But when the bride rejects the proposal by replying with a &#8221; no&#8221;, the meeting comes to an end.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the bride and her parents have accepted the marriage proposal of the groom, the groom and his family will be given the traditional marriage list and bride price document. At this juncture, the groom-to-be and his family would be expected to state how possible the traditional marriage ceremony would be before they depart.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2: Approval from the Bride&#8217;s Extended Family<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the acceptance of the marriage proposal by the bride and parents, the extended family of the bride will have to give their consent for anything else can be done. But before their approval for the traditional marriage rites can proceed, secret emissaries would be sent to investigate all there is to know about the would-be groom, including what he does for a living and his family background, among other things.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upon completion of the findings and the extended family is confident that their daughter would be well taken care of in the family she&#8217;s planning to get married to, the groom and his family would be invited for a second visit. As with the first visit, some discretionary items such as kola nuts, palm wine, beer, soft drinks, and a goat are to be brought along.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this second visit, the extended family of the bride, consisting of the elders will give their consent. In addition to their approval, the groom and his family would be given additional information on the customary marriage requirements to be met. It is at this point that the dates for the other traditional marriage rites and ceremonies can be scheduled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3: Ime Ego: Bride Payment\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the third and final aspect of the introduction phase before the actual traditional marriage ceremony (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Igba Nkwu<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). During this visit, the groom&#8217;s family and the bride&#8217;s family will engage in negotiations on what the dowry should be. The bride&#8217;s family would usually start with a high amount, based on her virtues and accomplishments. The groom&#8217;s family, on the other hand, would counter the offer. This goes on until both parties agree on a fair amount.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After both parties (that is, families of the bride and groom) have agreed upon the bride price, the groom&#8217;s family will present the bride Irice (that is, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ime Ego<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The bride&#8217;s payment is symbolic and does not determine the real worth of the woman. With the dowry paid, the groom&#8217;s family would fix a date for the traditional marriage ceremony where the engagement items would be presented to the bride&#8217;s family and the final rites performed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 4: Igba Nkwu Ceremony\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Igba Nkwu <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">means &#8220;bride&#8217;s wine carrying&#8221;, and it is a major part of the Igbo traditional marriage rites. Remember, this date would already have been fixed when the dowry was paid. The couple would be required to announce the date to whoever they want to be in attendance. This can be done by printing and distributing invitation cards to inform guests to keep the date in mind. Social media is another avenue for announcing the date of the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Igba Nkwu <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ceremony. The <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Igba Nkwu <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ceremony is usually performed in the bride&#8217;s family compound in the village. However, in recent years, some Igbo parents have allowed the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Igba Nkwu <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ceremony to be held outside their hometown.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This ceremony could be elaborate or simple, according to the financial capability of the couple and their families. If the couple decides to make it a low-key event, it will consist of a few people from both sides of the bride and groom&#8217;s family in attendance. In this case, the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Igba Nkwu <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ceremony is usually done indoors. On the other hand, an elaborate traditional marriage ceremony will involve decorations of the venue, hiring of a traditional music band and dancers, and much more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irrespective of whether the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Igba Nkwu <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ceremony is elaborate or simple, the rites to be observed are the same. The event begins with the presentation of the marriage list items. Remember, the groom and his family would have been given the list of items to get for the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Igba Nkwu<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ceremony during the preliminary visits to the bride&#8217;s family. The bride price would already have been paid before now, however, some people may pay the dowry and present the customary engagement Items on the same day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although the engagement list differs from one Igbo family to the next, the items usually include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(A) Gifts for the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Umu Ada<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (to be shared among all the grown daughters in the bride&#8217;s extended family)<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wrappers (George or Ankara &#8211; brands like Hitarget wax, Nigerian wax, Vlisco Hollandis, ABC English Wax, etc.)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Igbo-style lace blouses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gele head ties of assorted styles and colours\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shoes and bags of assorted designs and colours\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jewellery such as necklaces, wristwatches, earrings, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toiletries such as bath soaps, body creams, perfumes, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beverages\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lump-sum cash gift\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(B) Gifts for the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Umunna <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(to be shared among the men\/heads of the bride&#8217;s extended family)<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kola nuts\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gallons of palm wine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottles of hot drinks\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cartons of assorted drinks\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tobacco snuff\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rolls of cigarettes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A goat\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lump-sum cash gift\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(C) General gifts (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nmepe Uzo<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bride price &#8211; negotiable\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tubers of yam\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcoholic beverages<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bags of rice\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bags of salt\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Onions\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cartons of beer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A gallon of palm oil\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A gallon of kerosene\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A basin of stockfish\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meat (goat leg)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loaves of bread<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A carton of tin tomatoes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A carton of tin milk<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A carton of tablet bar soap<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several pieces of big-size talc face powder\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Big basins\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sets of George or Ankara materials\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gele head ties\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wristwatches\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gold necklaces<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Large suitcase\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Umbrellas<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lantern\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(D) Cash gift (this is to be presented during the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ime Ego <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ceremony)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Money to bring the pot from the fire (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ego nfotu ite<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Money to open the wine keg (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ego ncha kishi udu<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ego nkwupu udu<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Money for in-laws (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ego ogo cherem<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Money for maternity bill (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ego maternity<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Money for the village chief (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ego onye eze<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lump-sum cash<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the presentation of the engagement items, the next aspect of the traditional engagement ceremony is for the bride to search for the groom in the crowd and feed him wine. As everyone is seated, the father of the bride begins pronouncing marriage blessings on his daughter, after which he gives her a glass of palm wine to pick out the man she has agreed to marry from the crowd present.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bride would have to take the glass of palm wine to the groom who typically hides within the crowd. Once she set her eyes on him, she would offer him a glass of palm wine to drink. The groom accepting the drink from the bride signifies to everyone present that he is the one she&#8217;s accepted to marry. Thereafter, the parents of the couple would bless the bride and groom and pronounce them to be man and wife.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the couple officially recognised as man and wife, refreshments and entertainment will follow. But before then, some couples may cut their traditional cake and later engage in an open floor dance. Family members and well-wishers usually join to dance with the new couple to share in their joy. Thereafter, food and drinks would be served to those in attendance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some traditional marriage ceremonies, the couple offers their invitees gifts to appreciate them coming. In addition, there is usually an opportunity for the family members and well-wishers to give the new couple gifts and money, however, this is optional. At this point, the traditional marriage is said to have been complete.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 5:Visitation from Bride&#8217;s Family (Bia Malu Ulo)\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The end of the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Igba Nkwu <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ceremony is not the end of the Igbo traditional marriage process. The final stage of the Igbo wedding process is known as <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bia Malu Ulo, <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">which translates to &#8220;visitation from the bride&#8217;s family&#8221;. This entails the family of the bride escorting her to her new home which she will share with her husband. The bride&#8217;s parents usually go with gifts for the new couple, such as homeware, essential kitchen utensils, and so on.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This article seeks to explain all there is to know about the process of traditional marriage in Igbo land. Whether &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Process of Traditional Marriage in Igbo Land (Explained)\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/process-of-traditional-marriage-in-igbo-land-explained\/#more-295744\" aria-label=\"More on Process of Traditional Marriage in Igbo Land (Explained)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2534,"featured_media":295745,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3096],"tags":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Process-of-Traditional-Marriage-in-Igbo-Land-Explained.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6w1sx-1eW4","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295744"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2534"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=295744"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295744\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":295747,"href":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295744\/revisions\/295747"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/295745"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=295744"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=295744"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nigerianfinder.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=295744"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}