The day I was Introduced...

I had wanted to put this post out, but I wasn't really sure what community that this might fit into. Then I remembered that I had read a post recently from the very strong @tezmel on the "coming of age" ceremony of her son. I quickly looked it up, and realized there's a community for exchanging cross cultural experiences.

Well, without much ado then, here is my cultural story. It involves another sort of coming of age, and in this case... two key individuals are involved.

Dear Friends, this is the story of My Introduction...

Traditionally, among the Yoruba speaking people in the South West of Nigeria, when a woman is to be married, two key events are observed. The first of these events is the introduction ceremony.

In the introduction ceremony, as the name implies, the lady getting married invites her intended groom's family over to be introduced to her family.

Over the years, there have been basically two types of introduction done amongst the Yorubas; the one done indoors, and that which is done outdoors. The former is usually a small, brief event while the latter involves more traditional razzmatazz and partying of some sort.

Mine, as the pictures surely depict, was done outdoors.

The event started with an Alaga (the Yoruba version of an MC, but one who specializes in such occasions) asking my family members to perform the traditional practice of "Knocking the door". In reality, what that means is that the family should put a few things (specifically money) on the ground as a symbolic gesture for "knocking the door" of the bride's family.

This was then followed by a repeat performance for myself (the intended groom) and my friends who accompanied me.

Of course I had to knock the door as well... Unless I didn't want to marry.

Afterwards, they made me dance my heads off (or pay a fine)... and thereafter they asked I and my friends to "dobale" (prostrate) before the bride's parents as proof of our seriousness in marrying their daughter.

Oh well, we did...

Then, and only then, did they allow my lady to come out of the house...

Then she danced, her friends with her... and at some point I had to invite myself as well... Lol, I couldn't help it...

Then when the dancing was done, the real introduction began. Each important family member was introduced, and then the families prayed for the intending couple, gifts were brought and exchanged...

And at a point, I honestly got too engulfed in the event and the afternoon sun to know the details of all what was going on.

The pictures, I believe, tell the rest of the story.