Have you ever wondered what it would be like to attend or host an Edo traditional wedding? If you have, you are not alone. Edo wedding traditions are among the most unique and fascinating wedding ceremonies in Nigeria. They are a reflection of the rich and diverse history, culture, and values of the Edo people, who are also known as the Bini or Benin people.
In this article, you will discover the history, culture, and etiquette of Edo wedding traditions, and how you can plan and enjoy an Edo traditional wedding, whether you are a couple or a guest. You will also learn about the similarities and differences between Edo wedding traditions and other Nigerian wedding traditions, and how to make your Edo wedding memorable.
Overview of the History and Origin of Edo Wedding Traditions
Edo wedding traditions are influenced by the ancient Benin Kingdom, which was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in West Africa. The Benin Kingdom was founded by the Edo people in the 12th century, and it reached its peak of glory and prosperity in the 15th and 16th centuries, under the rule of the Oba, or king. The Benin Kingdom was known for its art, architecture, trade, and military prowess, and it had a complex and sophisticated social and political system.
The Benin Kingdom was also influenced by the Portuguese, who were the first Europeans to trade and interact with the Edo people in the 15th century. The Portuguese brought new goods, ideas, and religions to the Edo people, and some of them even married Edo women and settled in the kingdom. The Portuguese also introduced the concept of bride price, which is still an important part of Edo wedding traditions today.
Edo wedding traditions vary depending on the region, clan, and family of the bride and groom, but they share some common elements and rituals. The most significant and symbolic of these are:
- The marriage introduction is the first stage of the wedding process, where the groom and his family visit the bride and her family to ask for her hand in marriage and to negotiate the bride price and other terms.
- The marriage proper is the second and final stage of the wedding process, where the bride and groom exchange vows and rings, and the bride is officially handed over to the groom and his family, after the payment of the bride price and other gifts.
- The Edo wedding attire is the traditional clothing and accessories that the bride and groom wear on their wedding day, and which reflect their status, identity, and heritage. The bride usually wears a coral bead necklace, a coral bead crown, a wrapper, and a blouse, while the groom usually wears a coral bead necklace, a coral bead cap, a wrapper, and a shirt.
- The Edo wedding gifts are the items and money that the groom and his family give to the bride and her family, as a sign of appreciation, respect, and goodwill. The most important and valuable of these is the bride price.
- The Edo wedding food is the traditional cuisine and delicacies that the bride and groom and their families and guests enjoy on their wedding day, and which reflect their taste, culture, and hospitality. The most common and popular of these are pounded yam, egusi soup, owo soup, black soup, and bush meat.
The Edo wedding music is the traditional songs and dances that the bride and groom and their families and guests perform on their wedding day, and which express their joy, emotion, and celebration. The most famous and distinctive is the Igbabonelimhin, a dance that involves the bride and groom balancing coral beads on their heads while moving gracefully and rhythmically.
The Edo Wedding Ceremony
The Edo wedding ceremony is a colorful and elaborate affair that involves two main stages: the marriage introduction and the marriage proper. Here is a detailed description of what happens in each stage:
The Marriage Introduction
The Edo wedding process begins with the marriage introduction, or Ivbuomo, which means ‘seeking a bride’ in Esan. This is when the groom and his family seek the bride and her family’s permission and blessing to marry their daughter. Traditionally, this is also when each family checks the other family for any problems with diseases, mental illness, or criminality. This stage usually takes place a few weeks or months before the wedding day, and it can last for a long time, depending on the negotiations.
The marriage introduction starts with the groom and his family bringing gifts, such as kola nuts, palm wine, gin, and money, to the bride’s family. They are welcomed and thanked by the bride’s family, who then hear their purpose.
Next, the bride’s father or his representative calls the bride and asks if she knows the groom. He informs her of their proposal and seeks her approval by asking if he should accept the gifts, which signifies her agreement to marry the groom. If she agrees, they invite the groom and his family to a feast. If she disagrees, they ask them to leave.
Next, the elders or representatives of both families negotiate the bride price and other terms. The bride price is the money that the groom pays to the bride’s family for their daughter. It varies, depending on the bride and groom’s region, clan, and family, as well as their age, education, beauty, fertility, wealth, status, and reputation.
The negotiation can be tough and lengthy, as both families try to get the best deal for themselves. It can also be humorous, as both families try to joke and laugh. The negotiation is done in front of the bride and groom, who watch and listen silently, and follow their families’ decisions. The negotiation is also witnessed by some other members of the extended family.
The final step is the introduction of the bride and groom to each other and their families. They are brought together by their families and are introduced to each other’s relatives. They are then praised and celebrated by their families and guests, who also pray and wish good for them.
The marriage introduction ends with a mini feast, where everyone eats, drinks, sings, and dances. It is also a time for everyone to talk, make friends, and have fun. The marriage introduction is followed by the marriage proper, which happens a few days or weeks later.
The Marriage Proper
The marriage proper is the final and most important stage of the Edo wedding process. It is when the bride and groom become officially married, and the bride joins the groom’s family. This stage usually happens on the wedding day and can be a long and elaborate affair.
First, the groom and his family bring more gifts to the bride’s family, such as clothes, jewelry, shoes, bags, and money. They are warmly received by the bride’s family, who welcome them and thank them for their generosity. The groom and his family then declare their intention to take the bride away.
The ceremony begins with the Okaegbe, the eldest male or head of the bride’s family, as the anchor. He welcomes the guests and offers them kola nuts (Okpan evbee) and palm wine (Ovbi’uko ogo), followed by lots of food and drinks. Then, the bride price (Igho Uhonmhon) will be paid to the bride’s family. According to the custom, the groom’s family gives them more than the required amount, but the bride’s family only takes what is customary and returns the rest, encouraging the couple to use it in their new marriage.
At some point, the bride’s father takes the bride and places her on her father-in-law’s lap. This is done seven times, after which the groom’s father takes the daughter-in-law to his son and sits her on his lap. The rite so far, shows the importance of the family in Edo wedding culture. The bride does not only marry the groom but his whole family. She is entrusted to the groom’s father who will be expected to treat her like his own daughter.
During the ceremony, the older women of the bride’s family will bring out ‘fake brides’ and ask the groom to identify his real bride. If he succeeds, she will be presented to his family as his wife. When the ceremony is over, the Ovbioha, which means the new bride, will be escorted in a procession by her friends and family to her husband’s house.
When the ceremony is over, the bride’s family hands over the Ovbioha, which means new bride, to the groom and his family. This is a very emotional and dramatic moment, as the bride and her family say goodbye to each other. The bride’s mother advises the bride on how to be a good wife, and the groom’s mother gives the bride some gifts and items for her new home. She is then escorted in a procession by her friends and family to her husband’s house.
Similarities and Differences Between Edo Wedding Traditions and Other Nigerian Wedding Traditions
Edo wedding traditions are similar and different from other Nigerian wedding traditions, such as Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo wedding traditions. Here are some of the similarities and differences between them:
Similarities
Some of the similarities between Edo wedding traditions and other Nigerian wedding traditions are:
- The groom pays a bride price to the bride’s family, as a sign of respect and commitment.
- The families exchange gifts, as a sign of appreciation and goodwill.
- The bride and groom are introduced to each other and their families, as a sign of acceptance and belonging.
- The families and guests celebrate the union, as a sign of happiness and gratitude.
Differences
Some of the differences between Edo wedding traditions and other Nigerian wedding traditions are:
- Edo wedding traditions are influenced by the ancient Benin Kingdom and the Portuguese, while other wedding traditions are influenced by other factors.
- Edo wedding traditions use coral beads as adornments, while other wedding traditions use other types of beads, fabrics, or accessories.
- Edo wedding traditions perform the Igbabonelimhin dance, which involves balancing coral beads on the head, while other wedding traditions perform other types of dances.
Guide on How to Plan and Prepare for an Edo Wedding
If you are planning to attend or host an Edo traditional wedding, you might be wondering how to plan and prepare for it. Here are some practical tips and advice for you:
For Couples
To have an Edo traditional wedding, you need to first seek the permission and blessing of your families and elders, and respect their advice and wishes. They will be your guides and supporters throughout the wedding process.
Next, you need to research the history, culture, and etiquette of Edo wedding traditions, and how they vary by region, clan, and family. This will enable you to understand and honor the steps, roles, and symbols involved in the Edo wedding ceremony, and their meanings and significance.
Then, you need to prepare a budget and a timeline for your wedding and hire a wedding planner to help you with the details. They will help you with the logistics, coordination, and execution of your Edo wedding.
After that, you need to choose a venue, attire, photographer, videographer, caterer, DJ, and MC for your wedding, and book them in advance. They will ensure your wedding day is comfortable, appropriate, and memorable.
Finally, you need to invite your families and guests to your wedding and send them invitations with the date, time, location, and dress code. You also need to inform them of what to expect and avoid at your Edo wedding. You also need to thank them for coming and give them souvenirs or favors as a token of appreciation.
For Guests
If you receive an invitation to an Edo traditional wedding, you need to confirm your attendance and RSVP as soon as possible. You also need to respect and follow the preferences and wishes of the bride and groom and their families, who are the hosts and honorees of the event.
Next, you need to research the history, culture, and etiquette of Edo wedding traditions, and how they vary by region, clan, and family. This will enable you to understand and honor the steps, roles, and symbols involved in the Edo wedding ceremony, and their meanings and significance.
Then, you need to prepare a gift or a money envelope for the bride and groom and present it to them on their wedding day. You also need to dress and behave respectfully and appropriately for the Edo wedding and follow the dress code and etiquette.
After that, you need to enjoy and celebrate the Edo wedding and join the food, drinks, music, and dance. You also need to socialize and mingle with the bride and groom and their families and guests, and congratulate and compliment them on their marriage. You also need to thank them for their hospitality and generosity and accept their souvenirs or favors.
Conclusion
Edo wedding traditions are a beautiful and unique way of celebrating the union of two people and their families. They are a reflection of the rich and diverse history, culture, and values of the Edo people. In this article, we have explored the history, origin, ceremony, similarities, differences, and tips of Edo wedding traditions.
We hope you found this article informative and interesting. If you have any questions, feedback, or stories to share, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you. And if you are planning or attending an Edo wedding soon, we wish you all the best and congratulations!