Traditional Marriage in Igboland

Traditional marriage in Igboland has been in existence since the origin of Igboland. It is regarded as one of the most important occasion in Igboland, which has to do with tradional marriage rights and requirements. These marriage rights requirements consist of three major items, namely; Dowry (Bride Price), Colanuts and Palmwine. However, before any demand for traditional marriage rights can be made, the couple must have accepted to marry each other.

Thereafter, both the bride and the groom´s parents will carryout a background investigation on the individual and their family to which their son or daughter wants to marry. After both families are satisfied with their findings, the bride´s family will present a list containing traditional marriage requirements to the groom´s family. The traditional marriage is often held at the bride´s compound. On the day of the occasion, the bride´s father will fill a cup with palmwine and pass it on to his daughter to give her husband. During this period, the groom will mix himself among the guests and it is tradition for the bride to look for her groom while being distracted by the guests of the occasion.

However, when she finds her groom, she takes a sip from the cup of palmwine and then gives him the cup to drink from it. Furthermore, both of them will present themselves infront of the bride´s parents who will bless their marriage and from this point onward, they are married tradionally.