No culture throws a feast like the Igbos!
As my newest aunt went in search of her husband, a glass of palm wine in hand and a shy smile on her lips, her body clothed with red royal regalia embellished with glittery gold and silver beads, I couldn’t help but bless the day God chose to birth me into the Igbo tribe.
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| My Aunt carrying her cup of palm wine |
As you might know, the Igbo tribe is one of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. Among the countless traditions we practice, traditional marriage, natively known as Igba Nkwu, is one of the most highly decorated and frequently celebrated.
Arrival of the Groom and Family 🤵
During the holiday celebrations, I was opportune to attend the traditional marriage of my uncle. There was an unexplainable joy in the air as my family members and I graced the occasion. This ceremony had been anticipated for a long time.
We took our rightful seats and awaited the arrival of the bride. My cousins and I went to take pictures; we needed to capture this moment. I don’t know about them, but my kids will definitely be hearing about the event, and I needed to gather receipts😅.
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The bride’s family was already seated and well situated on one side of the canopy setup. The catering company had set up a tent in the far corner, and a banner of the bride and groom was set near the entrance; it would serve as the background for pictures.
Bride’s First Entrance 👰
After a reasonable period of time, we noticed a shift in the air. The DJ changed the song to a celebratory Igbo song, and instantly we knew the bride had arrived. My eyes quickly searched the perimeter until they fell on the bridal train led in front by the blushing bride.
Together, they processed around the venue and greeted everyone. The bridesmaids all individually carried a tray of eggs, which they used to greet people. Our tradition says you have to “buy” the egg.
It basically means you have to give them any amount of money you have—it doesn’t have to be a lot—in exchange for an egg. This practice signifies financial fruitfulness in the home.
After this first procession, they all went back and got ready for the next one, the wine carrying.
The Wine Carrying 🍷
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After a change of clothes, the bridal train appeared again and proceeded towards the father of the bride to secure the wine.
In the Igbo tradition, the father of the bride gives his daughter a cup of palm wine and reiterates the intentions of the groom and his family to her. He then blesses their union and places the cup in her mouth to take a sip. After she drinks, he gives her the cup and tells her to give the rest to her husband to drink.
The bride then stands from her bended position and looks for her groom in the crowd. This is a fun part of the event because, as she passes the canopies, random guests playfully call out to her, pretending to be her groom.
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As my aunt passed our canopy, my cousins and I ecstatically praised and hailed her. She smiled and gave us a happy nod of recognition and appreciation. She then proceeded to the canopy, where her husband was sitting.
The Groom
She found him, knelt down in front of him, and gave him the cup to drink. My uncle drank, and he gave her the rest to finish. After this, they both stood up with large smiles on their faces and proceeded to the center of the field to dance.
Merriment 💃🕺
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An Igbo wedding is not complete without the spraying of money. The couple danced while different guests and well wishers came up to them and sprayed them with different currencies.
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We danced, ate, and made merry for the rest of the event.
All Images belong to yours truly🙏
