AMAZING THINGS ABOUT EDO TRADITIONAL WEDDING
AMAZING THINGS ABOUT EDO TRADITIONAL WEDDING
By O.D Oluwasegun
Edo is an inland state in southern Nigeria. Its capital is Benin City. It is bounded in the north and east by Kogi State, in the south by Delta State and in the west by Ondo State.
The main ethnic groups in Edo State are: Edos, Afemais, Esans, Owans and Akoko Edos. Virtually all the groups traced their origin to Benin City hence the dialects of the groups vary with their distance from Benin City.
However, the Igbira speaking communities exist in Akoko Edo as well as Urhobos, Izons, Itsekiris communities in Ovia North East and South West Local Government Areas especially in the borderlands. Also, Ika speaking communities exist in Igbanke in Orhionmwon LGA.
The Edo people are highly cultural people and they value their culture so much. So Edo traditional wedding is one of the best traditional weddings in Nigeria.
History shows that in early times, Edo girls usually get married between the ages of 15 to 18 but that has changed now with education and civilization.
It is the dream of every lady of marriageable age, to marry a responsible and hardworking man who will not only love and cherish her but will provide support for her financially, morally and physically so is the Edo ladies.
In time past, it was the duty of parents to choose a life partner for their children but it is now different. This is due to education and civilization. Couples can meet each other at anywhere and develop attraction for each other. Courtship normally proceeds before marriage and can last from a year to as long as they are ready to marry.
During this period, series of investigation are carried out about both families’ background. Investigation carried out would include disease/health, crime and other relevant information that might become a problem for the couple in future.
After this stage, discussion for the dowry can then begin. The groom’s family would also decide on what to present to the bride’s mother as well as other family members.
The final stage of agreement is fixing the wedding date. The wedding usually takes place at the bride’s family house. It is a special day where people come from far and near to rejoice with the couple. There is always a lot to eat and drink, as kolanut and palm wine is presented to guests and the ceremony is presided by the Okaegbe (head of the family). During this period prayers of all sort will be said especially from the bride’s father, after this the bride who is now called Ovbioha is then escorted to the she would be welcomed with dance and then followed by the washing of the bride’s feet.husband’s house along with her properties by some of her family members and close friends where
AMAZING THINGS ABOUT EDO TRADITIONAL WEDDING
