About Nigerian Wedding Traditions
Nigerian weddings are known for their unique and exciting traditions. Like many other cultures, a Nigerian wedding is more than just celebrating the love of two people but also celebrating the joining of two families. Many Nigerian-American weddings traditionally feature two ceremonies: the traditional wedding and the formal wedding. The traditional wedding will differ based on where in Nigeria the couple’s family is from. “Everyone has their own traditions and cultures that must set them apart. That’s what makes Nigerian weddings so beautiful, “You get to stand by who you are and where you’re from.”
Couples who come from different tribes must honor both sides of their family heritage. As a result, weddings are also an opportunity for different tribes to learn more about each other. However, Wherever the bride resides is where the traditional wedding is supposed to take place.
Introduction Ceremony
As with most African countries, Nigerian wedding traditions are observed long before the actual wedding date. The rites kick off with an introduction ceremony, where both families come together, perhaps for the first time. The families will exchange gifts with one another as they get to know each other. The groom’s family will also be presented with a list of the required items for dowry.
The Bride Price I Dowry
Almost all Nigerian tribes expect the groom to pay a bride price before marriage. This “price” is a list of valuable items that can range from livestock and dishware to luxury vehicles. While these items are supposed to prepare the bride for her new home, they also represent the invaluable wealth that the daughter brings to her parents.
Chioma explains that women are very valued members of Nigerian society; the bride price is expected to reflect this. In fact, a bride with higher education will often receive a higher bride price.
For members of the Igbo tribe, grooms (along with their older male relatives) are expected to “knock on the door” of the bride’s home and ask her parents for permission to join their family. After the bride accepts the offer, the family will then come up with the bride price. Only after the terms are accepted can the traditional wedding take place.
Double The Fun | Traditional vs. Western Ceremonies
The traditional wedding follows the wedding customs of the family’s tribe. While a traditional Nigerian wedding will take place at the bride’s family home, it’s still essential to incorporate and honor the groom’s heritage as well. Here are some Nigerian wedding traditions you may encounter at a Nigerian-American wedding:
The Wine Carrying: At Igbo weddings, the bride receives a cup of wine from her parents before she’s been given a glimpse of her groom. With her maidens, she must go now and look for the groom who will be hidden within the crowd. Expect to hear male guests attempting to distract her with shouts and hisses as she begins her search! When she finally finds her husband, she will get down on her knees and present the wine cup. The husband must drink the entire contents and replace the empty cup with money.
Wedding Fatiha: Hausa weddings feature a distinct ceremony where representatives from the bride and groom’s family exchange vows for the couple. After the vow exchange, blessings are offered to the newly married couple.
The Prostration: At Yoruba weddings, the groom and his friends are required to lie down (or in more modern celebrations, bend) before the bride’s parents as a sign of respect.
The Formal Western Ceremony
Nigerian couples are respectful to their roots and will incorporate a traditional Nigerian Ceremony with all the expected components. However, couples are also choosing to hold a second ceremony with a beautiful white gown and show-stopping tuxedo while also following American traditions such as the bouquet and garter toss. The Formal Wedding often follows the timeline of a traditional Christian or Muslim wedding. Most brides wear a Western-style white wedding dress at this event. However, many couples (and event guests) may opt to wear traditional attire, especially if the traditional and formal wedding are combined into one event.
Proper Wedding Attire
One of the best Nigerian wedding traditions is the unique attires! Nigerian traditional wedding dresses are known as ‘aso oke’. The attire is made of thick fabric with long sleeves that widen at the wrists and a kaftan-like skirt, which the bride ties around her waist. Nigerian traditional wedding dresses are also detailed with lace and beads.
The Nigerian male traditional wedding attire is known as ‘buba’. It is a top with matching pants. An oversized robe with open sleeves is draped over the top. It is known as an ‘agbada’. The Nigerian male traditional wedding attire is made complete by adding a ‘fila’, which is a hat worn by Yoruba men.
The bride and groom are not the only ones that get to wear traditional attire. The guests also wear traditional clothes chosen by the bride and groom. These attires are known as ‘aso-ebi’, which translates to family clothes. Just by glancing at someone, you will know which side of the family they belong to.
THE MONEY DANCE
The Money Spray: As soon as the married couple hits the dance floor, guests will “spray” them with money — which symbolizes many blessings. The more times a couple dances, the more money they can expect to receive. Make sure to bring some cash to a Nigerian wedding to participate in this meaningful and fun rite. Everybody has their own traditional music, but Afrobeats are always popular on the dance floor. Additionally, other tribes in attendance will perform traditional dances for the couple throughout the reception — revealing the beauty and diversity of Nigerian culture. The Money Dance tradition is common at Mexican and Filipino weddings as well!
Lifting The Bride
In some western weddings, it is common for the groom to carry his bride over the threshold. This act is a modest show by the bride. It signifies the bride’s bond with her family. It shows that the bride isn’t eager to leave her family, but she must because she loves her man. The groom carries her into a new life. Nigerian grooms will also carry their brides. However, their interpretation is a bit different. It’s a show of strength. It signifies that the groom will take care of the love of his life.
Elder Sibling First
In the Igbo community, marriages follow seniority; younger brothers are expected to put off their weddings until all their older siblings are married. The same tradition applies to women as well.
Nigerian Wedding Food
The bride and groom aren’t expected to handle the catering for their big day. The bride’s mother is responsible for the food and ensuring all guests are fed and happy! While each tribe has their own distinct cuisine, they can all agree on the importance of food at a Nigerian wedding. Guests are expected to leave satiated, so you can look forward to lavish spreads and generous helpings.