AFRICAN CULTURE AND CEREMONIAL DRESSES.(Wafrica Guest Post)

This piece below is Authored by @joyceokpobo, edited and posted by @mcsamm for @wafrica.

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Ever been to an African traditional ceremonies, let's say wedding? I know you have. You must have seen a set of people wearing a particular color, design, quality or pattern of fabric. It comes in different unique styles. It is called Aso-ebi. Lately, I've been wondering where people got this idea. After weeks, (actually hours) of searching, i finally discovered the holy grail of answers. It's almost like no wedding will hold without aso-ebi. Very funny how ladies especially put in so much effort into choosing a material for that big day of course. We have always said that wedding is for the bride. Don't know where that idea came from but judging by preparations preceding wedding ceremonies and all, one may just have to admit that it is true. In some cases, aso-ebi has become so elaborate and glamorous, it's hard to tell who exactly is getting married.

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Yes, talking about aso-ebi, journey with me to where it all started. The term aso-ebi is a Yoruba language. "Aso" meaning Cloth and "Ebi" meaning family. Putting both together, aso-ebi is a traditional uniform attire that is usually worn by families during special ceremonies and occasion. It started with the Yorubas (the people of the south-western coastal regions of Nigeria in Africa). The Yorubas are the second largest tribe in Nigeria after the Northerners. Aso-ebi is a cloth that is worn on special occasions by the Yorubas usually during festivals, engagement, naming ceremony, weddings and other important events.

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In the past, aso-ebi was restricted to family members only but today, close friends and well wishers have become very much involved because of what it represents. It comes in different categories though, with a special color and design for close family and a different but usually complementary colour for friends, relatives, colleagues, age group, meeting groups, and so on. Coupled with the need to identify with the celebrants, a lot of people have given so much attention to this even when they are not related or close to the celebrant in question. This is because taking part to purchase a selected Aso-ebi fabric and attending the occasion in the Aso-ebi attire is the only way through which they can assure a celebrant an unwavering support.

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Some people prefer to wear aso-ebi to occassions because it's easy to determine the worth of any other outfit and as such may attract undue attention during a ceremony. Others think that they may be judged or criticized for wearing an attire of lesser quality. Aside giving a sense of belonging, aso-ebi also adds colour and flavor to the occassion and this has been the special attraction to most ceremonies. It comes in many sort of materials, ranging from ankara, aso-oke or lace. Ankara is quite affordable and is generally used. With latest trends in fashion designs, a lot of people have stolen the opportunity to get the latest styles and update or upgrade their wardrobe.

Aso-ebi, even though it has its roots among the Yoruba has gradually become an integral part of the Nigerian culture. In recent times, this cultural tradition has forced its way into the corporate and social world, even with so much modifications and modernization. Aso-ebi has gone beyond the shores of Nigeria into other African Countries regardless of their ethnicity. It has become very popular in many African countries and most Africans such as dancers require them while entertaining their audiences. Thinking of how to add colour to your big day, you may as well consider getting aso-ebi.

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