Nigeria is a country rich for its culture, this means that there abounds so many rites and traditions amongst different ethnic groups.
Today, we are going to be exploring the marriage traditions that exist in Nigeria. Not just any marriage tradition, but, the unusual ones.
Sharo (Fulanis)
Although ancient, Fulanis believe that the groom to be should be publicly beaten before getting married. This is to show that the groom is brave and will confidently protect his bride whenever trouble arises.
It’s a test to show that the groom is indeed worthy of the bride.
All the potential suitors of the beautiful bride are all beaten and the ones who cry and chicken out will prove themselves unworthy.
The one who perseveres
Bride Price (Igbos)
The dowry/bride price of the Igbo people features a negotiation over a certain amount of money, that is usually not so much, and a long list that contains items that are needed for the marriage rites. Some regions of Igboland are notorious for over-stretching the list, as most villagers and kinsmen look forward to marriages as a means of settlement. The list also varies in length and value, depending on how wealthy the incoming family is or if the supposed spouse is from the same village, same state or same country.
Prostration (Yorubas)
Prostrating, or dobale, is a huge form of respect amongst the Yoruba, as they are very keen on respecting one’s elders. Therefore, at a traditional marriage, a groom and his groomsmen are all expected to lie down flat/prostrate at the feet of the bride’s family. The groom is expected to prostrate four times before the end of the ceremony.
Fattening room (Efiks)
The fattening room is one of the shocking rites of passage into womanhood. Practised by the Efiks, it is the room where young women are kept and prepared for womanhood before marriage. In times past, being fat is equivalent to being prosperous and healthy. The culture is gradually phasing out, though.
No smiling (Ijaws)
During the wedding ceremony, an Ijaw bride is not expected to smile until she has been sprayed a lot of money by the groom and his family.
