Hello steemians, I just want to use this opportunity to tell you what a traditional marriage looks like in my place. I was opportune to attend one which took place right in my family compound last weekend.
This was between an in-law to be, named David and Miss Obiageri Nwankwere in Nbawsi.
The preparation started off with the cooking of fufu, which is a stable food in my place, the meat for the occasion was fried and stew was made, which will be used to eat white rice or could be used to cook jellof rice the next. We were there till late in the night.
The next day was the traditional wedding day. So many women woke up early to cook the food, like rice, salad both the English and native one. The native one is prepared with ugba, palmoil,salt pepper, dried fish, sometimes too, you add stockfish.. It is indeed a pure delicacy.
Some people who were there early were served with some of the food already prepared. In preparation of the occassion, young man were busy mounting the canopies, the DJ was also busy testing has equipment to make it is working well.
One of the canopies where prepared for the couples, so it has to be decorated. Seats were also placed in it and other canopies for the invitees.
And now the ceremony begins.
First the bride came out to greet the audience. The groom did likewise too. Then the parents of both the bride and the groom were invited to take their seats as well as other notable figures. Then with a beautiful music the bride and the groom danced out towards their own canopies.
The bride and groom heading towards their canopy.
It is good to note that before now, some other traditional rites have taken place, like paying of bride price and provision of other things as may be required by the family and the community in question.
Once they were seated, the ceremony started in full earnest. The bride took a native wine to the father in law as a drink from the husband, which she did and the father wholeheartedly accepted it.
Taking blessings from the brides father.
It was now time to cut the cake, which they gracefully did.
Cutting of the cake by the bride and groom.
Then the couple started their first nuptial dance, and others joined in the dancing.
Food and drinks were served to all and sundry including palmwine.
Enjoyment galore
Dancing and grooving. Just look at the dance step
So many people willingly contributed for the couple to help them defray their expenses. At the end of the day, the couple gave their vote of thanks.
Gradually, people started going back to their various houses.
It was a real success.