Among the over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria, the Yorubas in South-west Nigeria will easily win the award for being avid socialites. They cherish celebrating moments as they adorn resplendent traditional attires popularly called Ashoebi.
If it’s a colourful event with local music, dance, food, and drinks, you will find them there. And their weddings are just as comical as the people. If you are experiencing a Yoruba wedding for the first time, do not be startled when you observe any of these things Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal has listed below.
Dancing to rake in money
Dancing in a Yoruba marriage is an opportunity for the couple to make some money. The bride and groom usually take to the dance floor while they are circled by friends, family and well-wishers who spray cash on their heads. At the end of the wedding ceremony, the money accrued will be used to settle some minor debts incurred while planning the wedding and cover some expenses like paying for canopies, cake, and drinks among other strange things.
Carry the Bride
To ‘carry the bride’ is literarily translated Igbeyawo. This may not be a serious part of a Yoruba nuptial agreement but it is done for its significance. The ability of the groom to haul his wife automatically signifies that he has the strength to take care of her. It is something that every groom should anticipate. But what if he cannot…?
Prostrate
A widely known fact about Yorubas across Southwest states like Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo, is that they value respect. In every sphere of life, courtesy is important to them. Therefore, the act of prostration during a wedding ceremony should not come as a surprise to one who finds himself in this situation. The groom and his friends are expected to lie down flat in their glossy regalia to show appreciation to the bride’s parents. This may be comical but it is an important part of any Yoruba marriage.
Written by Guest columnist and Travel writer, Ogunfowoke Adeniyi.
