Weddings are joyous occasions that celebrate love, culture, and tradition. In Nigeria, weddings are often colorful and vibrant events, reflecting the diverse cultures of the country. Among the many ethnic groups in Nigeria, the Ikwerre people of the Niger Delta region have their unique wedding traditions and customs.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Ikwerre wedding. From the pre-wedding preparations to the main ceremony and post-wedding celebrations.
Everything You Need To Know About The Ikwerre Wedding
Pre-Wedding Preparations
The Ikwerre tribe wedding begins with extensive pre-wedding preparations, much like weddings in many other cultures. Here are some key aspects of these preparations:
- Introduction and Negotiations: The process often starts with the groom’s family visiting the bride’s family to formally express their intention to marry their daughter. Negotiations, including the bride price (a customary payment to the bride’s family), may take place during this visit.
- Engagement and Dowry Payment: After negotiations are successfully completed, the groom’s family presents gifts and the agreed-upon dowry to the bride’s family. This marks the official engagement of the couple.
- Selection of Wedding Date: The selection of the wedding date is crucial. It is often determined by a diviner or traditional priest who consults with the spirits and ancestors for guidance.
Traditional Attire
The Ikwerre wedding features traditional attire that is both colorful and significant. Here’s a glimpse of what the bride, groom, and their families wear:
- Bride’s Attire: The bride typically wears a beautifully embroidered wrapper called “George” and a matching blouse. She accessories with elaborate coral bead jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and headpieces.
- Groom’s Attire: The groom wears a traditional outfit, often a flowing robe called a “senator” made from vibrant, locally woven fabric. He may also wear coral bead accessories.
- Family Attire: The families of the bride and groom also dress in traditional outfits that symbolize their support of the union.
Wedding Ceremony
The Ikwerre wedding ceremony is a grand affair that involves various rituals and customs. Here are some essential elements of the ceremony:
- Traditional Blessings: The ceremony typically begins with traditional blessings from an elder or priest, invoking the spirits and ancestors for guidance and protection.
- Exchange of Vows: The couple exchanges vows and declarations of love in the presence of their families, friends, and community members.
- Libation Ceremony: The elders offer libation to the spirits and ancestors as a sign of respect and to seek their blessings for the union.
- Breaking of Kola Nuts: Then, they break kola nuts and pray to their ancestors while sharing the nuts with all attendees as a symbol of unity and hospitality.
- Dancing and Drumming: Music and dance play a vital role in the Ikwerre wedding. Drummers and dancers entertain guests, creating an atmosphere of celebration.
- Feasting: A sumptuous feast is an integral part of the wedding celebration. Traditional Ikwerre dishes, such as Banga soup and plantains, are served to guests.
Ikwerre Bride Price List
The Ikwerre bride price involves negotiations and the presentation of gifts from the groom’s family to the bride’s family. This is a sign of respect and commitment to the union. Below we have provided a general list of items for an Ikwerre bride price:
- Cash: The groom’s family typically presents a specific amount of cash as part of the bride price. The exact amount can vary widely but is often a substantial sum.
- Drinks: The groom family may also include various alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. They could include local palm wine and assorted beverages, in the bride price.
- Kola Nuts: Kola nuts are an essential part of many Nigerian ceremonies, including weddings. They are typically presented in multiples and symbolize respect and hospitality.
- Cotton Fabrics (George): Colorful and beautifully patterned cotton fabrics, known as “George,” are a significant part of the bride price. They use these fabrics are to make clothing for the bride and her family.
- Jewelry: Coral beads and other types of jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, are common gifts presented to the bride as part of the bride price. These items are often worn during the wedding ceremony.
- Yam Tuber: In some regions, a yam tuber is included as part of the bride price. Yam holds cultural significance and represents prosperity and fertility.
- Salt: Salt is sometimes included in the bride price to symbolize the importance of flavor and taste in life.
- Vegetable Oil: Bottles of vegetable oil are often included in the bride price as they are a staple in Nigerian cooking.
- Goat or Other Livestock: A live goat or other livestock may be part of the bride price. This reflects the traditional agrarian lifestyle of many Nigerian communities.
Other Items That may Be Included To The Bride Price
- Cooking Utensils: Sometimes the family may ask for cooking pots, utensils, and other kitchen items to help the bride set up her new household.
- Cash for the Bride’s Parents: It is customary to give a portion of the cash to the bride’s parents as a gesture of appreciation for raising their daughter.
- Community and Clan Contributions: In some cases, the groom family contributes money and gives to the bride’s community or clan. This is done to seek their blessings and approval for the union.
Conclusion
The Ikwerre wedding is a vibrant and culturally significant celebration that showcases the richness of Ikwerre culture and traditions. From the elaborate pre-wedding negotiations and preparations to the colorful attire and the ceremonial rituals during the wedding, every aspect is steeped in symbolism and community involvement.
The bride price is a customary part of the Ikwerre wedding. It exemplifies the respect and commitment involved in the union of two families. It serves as a tangible demonstration of the groom’s sincerity and desire to marry the bride, while also symbolizing the bride’s value and significance within her community.
Through the exchange of vows, libation ceremonies, and communal feasting, the Ikwerre wedding reinforces the importance of family, and blessings. It is a joyful celebration of love and cultural heritage, uniting not only the bride and groom but also their families and communities.
