Engagement
Nigerian weddings consist of much celebration and feasting, coupled with a respect for cultural traditions, even as new marriage practices make their way into the culture. Many aspects of Nigerian weddings vary according to region–such as whether the couple chooses to marry or if their marriage is arranged–but there are universal aspects to the process.
Types
Generally, there are three types of marriages. The civil marriage takes place at a government registry office, and the religious marriage occurs according to what the couple’s religion dictates. There’s also the traditional Nigerian wedding ceremony. Couples may choose to do all three, if their financial situation allows for it.
Introduction
The marriage process begins with the introduction, which takes place several days prior to the wedding itself and often involves the families both wearing traditional Nigerian clothing. The ceremony involves groom’s family visiting the bride’s family and giving them a letter to ask the family permission to marry their daughter, often sweetening the deal with a dowry, which many Nigerians still practice today. The dowry can be money, livestock or yams.
Engagement
Taking place the night before the wedding ceremony, the engagement ceremony involves another visit to the bride’s family from the groom’s family. This is when the bride’s family finally gives an answer to the letter of request from the groom’s family, at which point both families meet their wedding guests. The families and their guests then celebrate with food and drink, including a customary drink of palm wine by the bride and groom, which a family elder administers.
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