Marriage Customs in the Nigerian Culture
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Transcript of Marriage Customs in the Nigerian Culture
Marriage Customs in the Nigerian
CultureBy: Megan Slabicki
Polygamy
• Polyandry is taboo • More wives means greater wealth
• Able to supply • Able to support
Choosing a Wife
• From another village• 3 ways
• Arranged before birth• Relatives could choose during childhood• Man and woman can choose
Male Maturity
• Not liking childhood stories• Preferring not to clean or cook• Taking bigger risks • Spending time with father and elders• No childhood perks
The First Step
• Family friend knocks on female’s door• Presents kola nuts and palm wine• Intermediary proposes • Family gives answer
The Inquiry
• Family, friends, and gods are consulted• Genealogy • Social standing • Medical histories• Family history
• Continues through entire marriage process
The Probation
• Groom proves his family worthy• Bride lives with groom’s family• Bride given tasks by mother-in-law• Returns with gifts if she passes
Bride Price
• Groom’s family goes to bride’s family• Not too high • Gift for raising a beautiful daughter• Usually money, branches, and goats
Marriage
• Considered married upon payment• Large feast in bride’s compound• 70-100 people• Couple dance and guests throw money
Christianity
• Formal ceremony • Bride dances in followed by single female friends• Guests bless her by throwing money• Large feast after ceremony• Includes entire village
Living Situation
• Man lives in Obi• Women live in huts on land
• Children stay with birth mothers• Men do not stay with women
Food
• Women made food• Father first to eat• Children helped in fields
First Wife
• Oldest• Gets something first when offered • Wears an anklet for husband’s titles
Bearing Children
• Man sleeps with women in their respective huts• Males preferred
Works Cited
• "Ibo Marriage and Courtship." Ibo Marriage and Courtship. N.p., n.d. Web.
• "Marriage and Family Structure - Things Fall Apart." Marriage and Family Structure - Things Fall Apart. N.p., n.d. Web
• "Things Fall Apart Project." Search Results -. N.p., n.d. Web.
• "Traditional Family Ceremonies." Igbo Family Ceremonies and Traditions. N.p., n.d. Web.