The Traditional Marriage

Hello Hivers!
How are you’ll doing
Today I want to gist you about traditional marriage in Akwa Ibom state,particularly in my community.
Normally if you’ve never attended any traditional marriage in Akwa Ibom state then you have missed a lot,but you don’t have to worry,I’m here to give you the full gist.

You know,in my community marriage is seen as the best thing that can ever happen to a lady.The way your parents will treat and rejoice over you will tell you that you’ve achieved something very important.

Then what if at 30 you’re still single? Hmmmm

In Akwa Ibom,traditional marriage is a marriage ceremony that is conducted and programmed according to the customs of the bride family,yh,mainly of the bride family.

*The first part is THE INTRODUCTION;here the prospective in-laws from both sides meet and become acquainted with each other.

*The second part is NEGOTIATION;the grooms family is given a list items of things they’re to buy,the bride price is negotiated at the same time.Both negotiating team must be competent enough because what the bride’s family will take home depends on their negotiating skills.All the required items agreed on must be fulfilled by the groom before the wedding day.

*On the D-day,a lot of interesting things do happen especially in the kitchen, I mean,this is where all the foods are prepared,if you’re a foodie and you’re related to the bride’s family I think this is where you should be,you can thank me later.

*The THIRD part of this marriage is UDIA IBEÑE;the grooms entourage is ushered into the living room where all kinds of Ibibio meals are displayed,ranging from ekpang nkukwo,asa iwa,edita iwa,otomboro,editan soup,afang soup,plantain,atama soup to red oil rice,fried rice ,etc.
This is to show that the bride-to be knows a lot about food and will be able to take care of her husband.One woman from the bride’s family explains,tastes and presents these food to the grooms entourage before they are served.

*The FOURTH part is when the bride is hidden,the grooms family will make known their mission and will openly demand for the bride;various women are brought before them,sometimes,the groom eyes is closed with a piece of linen,he will be asked to identify his wife by touching/feeling the women’s hands.Here,the groom may mistakenly choose another woman for his wife,I will tell you this is embarrassing but it’s fun.

The bride and the groom parents first dance into the place before the groom all being escorted by their friends and loved ones.Then finally,the bride,expenively dressed with bracelets and trinkets is escorted with a long train consisting of friends,age mates,family,etc

We then have the nuptial dance followed by the presentation of gifts.
Any cultural group present will then continue with their activities.

Ibibio traditional marriage is not difficult but you have to be financially stable,because it is quite expensive.And you will want it to be a memorable one since it is done once in a lifetime.

I’m really writing this because of my sister’s just concluded wedding, I wish her a successful,fruitful and a happy marital life.
Thank you very much for reading to the end, I really appreciate ❤️