Here in my other region, weekends are mostly a time for attending events - marriage ceremonies, child dedication, birthday parties, club meetings, name it. It's party after party things (we call it owambe) Lol.
For a long time now, I haven't attended a traditional marriage ceremony so yesterday, Saturday 8th November, all road led to Amaububa Amabo village, Okoko Item in Bende LGA for the traditional marriage ceremony of the daughter of a dear friend and former coursemate, Mummy, as I fondly call her.
The event was slated for 12:00pm so we, I and some of my former coursemates, left around past 11am so we can get there on time. It was a smooth, fun and enjoyable ride. We passed through various villages and towns like Umuahia, Uzuakoli, Umuenyere, Amaozara, Alayi, Igbere before heading to Item, then Okoko Item. I was able to see some of the popular places that I've often heard of but haven't visited. Places like the age long Methodist High School, Uzuakoli, Akoli Imenyi Central school, the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC camp, Igbere, The Bende Local Government Council Secretariat, amongst others.
It took us about an hour and half to arrive Amaububa Amabo village, Okoko Item, and it turned out that we were amongst the early birds. And you know what it's said about the early birds - they pick the best of the worms. Lol.
With Mummy and former course mates.
Mummy was filled with excitement upon seeing us and she didn't take time to make us welcome in the most honorable way. Pleasantries done, what followed next was drinks and food - my favorite Smirnoff ice and tasty fried rice with chicken. There was alabacha (African salad) and other dishes.
Yum. 😋
The space for the event had a mix of modern and traditional decorations with the vibrant colors of the day.
The cake
The weather was clement, and the atmosphere lively, thanks to the talented DJ who was spinning the wheels and reeling out lovely tunes.
As more people arrived, the atmosphere became livelier - exchange of pleasantries, hugs, shouts of joy filled the air. Everyone was happy to be part of the witnesses of the beautiful union, and we couldn't wait for the event to begin in earnest.
The groom with his family members and entourage had already arrived, and both families were in closed doors, performing the other marriage rites like paying of dowry amongst others. After they had concluded with the marriage rites, the traditional marriage proper commenced.
The bride was called out to greet and welcome her guests. When she was about stepping out, she first of all knelt down at the entrance of her father's home to greet her father's and husband's families, as a sign of respect and humility. This earned her some monetary gifts.
The couple
After that, she proceeded to greet other guests. While doing so, she would apply nzu (potash) on the hands of each of the guests she approaches. The guests would in turn appreciate her with some money. I was busy with serving the guests that I missed this part. Hehehe.
After the greetings, she went back to get dressed for the next part, which would be searching for her husband to give him the drink that'll seal the union. But before then, the couple's parents were called out to be appreciated by the guests for raising wonderful children who made everyone proud.
Bride's parents rocking it
Bride's mother in her glory. 😍
We're good like that. 😂
Unfortunately, I didn't witness the part she was to search for her husband because we had to leave because it was getting to evening time and we needed to get back before dark. But I'll give you a peek about it.
This is the final and most fun part of traditional marriages. In fact, it's the part that seals the union. Here, the bride's parents would ask her some questions, after which the father would hand her a cup of wine, usually palm wine, instructing her to go bring the man she intends to marry to him - as if he doesn't know who he is, but that's tradition. 😅
Although this is a fun part, it's also a test of the bride's resolve. As she holds the drink given to her by her parents, she's the center of attention, with some other young men vying for her attention, wooing her with sweet talks, cash gifts and others, to hand them the drink.
Now in the event she gives the drink to another man, other than the intended groom, and he drinks it, he'll automatically become her husband. That would be a disaster. I believe no bride would do that, except she's being forced into the marriage or village people have pressed some buttons. Lol.
Our ride back was also smooth and even more enjoyable as we recounted the event including the good old school days. I was particularly happy that the event was a success and grateful that my dear friend was alive to give out her daughter in marriage. God did it!
Feed your eyes with more photos.
Home essentials for the bride from her family.
Thank you for reading.
Author's Photos.
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