Traditional marriage/ wedding ceremony in Igbo Communities

This article describes the traditional marriage ceremony as conducted in several Igbo communities. This is the original form of marriage celebration before the white colonialists arrived with their own form of marriage celebrated in the Court and in the Church. It describes the entire process.
Traditional Wedding Ceremony in Igbo Community
This is the wedding ceremony as celebrated among the Igbos of south east Nigeria. This ceremony is not a one day affair as It involves the introduction ceremony which is initiated by the family of the groom to the family of the bride. This is to formally inform the girl's family that the young man desires to marry their daughter. Though both families might already have known each other, this ceremony still holds to formally introduce the two families.
On the introduction day, there is celebration and drinking and eating, as it is a good thing for one to give out his or her daughter in marriage. Upon the conclusion of the introduction ceremony, the family of the girl accepts formally and this is followed by the paying of bride price. This is another ceremony that is enjoyed by all; the bride price is the exchange of cash from the man's family to the girl's family to signal that the marriage is sealed.
In some Igbo communities once the bride price is paid the marriage is formally contracted. The traditional wine carrying is a mere formality and there is an elaborate celebration and wining and dining. Before the 'British colonialists' came to rule Nigeria, this was the way and manner the Igbos contracted marriage. Before this marriage is contracted, the two families would ask questions about each other's background. This enquiry is very important as it provides the opportunity to find out if there are taboos and or abominations in each family, their dos and don'ts, their likes and dislikes. The trend or pattern of events in each family is also examined, example, do family members die young, do they have problems conceiving, do they involve in criminal activities? Questions are also asked about the girl and the boy, to ensure that they match each other. There are cases where families canceled marriage plans upon finding out certain strange things about either of the spouse. Some young people also go against their families wish to go ahead with the marriage.
On the Ibu mmanya day which is the traditional wine carrying, the bridegroom attends with a large entourage comprising his family members, friends and colleagues as well as other well wishers. He is welcomed into the family compound of the bride by the bride's family. He is expected to come along with cartons of beer, malt and soft drinks. He also comes with Tobacco heads, cigarettes, brandy, schnapps; he brings along gifts of wrappers, soap, body cream, biscuits among others for the future mother in law and the unmarried daughters of the family.
On this day, assorted drinks and food are made available for all. At the ceremony the bride is given a cup of palm wine to offer to the proposed husband, she walks among the crowd to search out her intended husband who she hands over the drink and they both dance to the admiration of all. This is not common among all Igbo communities, in some communities this aspect is done in the private sitting room, or the family sitting room of the bride.
The mother of the girl also dances to the tune of the traditional music and it is customary that when the new couple dances, the guests would spray money on them to show appreciation and love. The mother of the girl gets her own share of the spraying from her husband, her future in-laws and family members.
During the occasion there are different displays of traditional outfits by the bride and her friends, her mother and friends and family as well as the bride groom and his family and friends. The entire compound becomes colorful as there are all shades of colors. At times the couple decides on a color trend for their ceremony and guests are expected to dress in clothes of same color pattern as chosen by the couple. The Igba Nkwu, traditional ceremony is a big and colorful event among the Igbos. In some families it provides an opportunity to show case their beach wedding invitations , friends, beautiful homes and families.
It is a thing of pride for every young girl to be married this way, and among the Igbos it could at times be more elaborate than the white wedding.

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