The Ibos or Igbos, however, you choose to pronounce it are an ethnic group native to the present-day south-central and southeastern Nigeria.

According to Wikipedia, the Igbo homeland is divided into two unequal sections by the Niger River – an eastern (which is the larger of the two) and a western section. The Igbo people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa.

Seeing that we are particular about any and everything concerning marriages/weddings, this article is on stages of Igbo marriage rites you probably never knew about.

1. Marriage Introduction (Iku Aka or Iju Ase)

Typically prior to when a man asks an Igbo girl/ woman to marry him, he has to first ask permission from her parents and her Umunna (her extended family, represented by the elders). Hence, the lady’s parents must also give a formal ‘YES’ before you can kick start the marriage preparation.

This is also known as the first visit.

2. Second Visit/Groom’s Escort Party

Shortly after the first visit, both families carry out background checks to know if to terminate or continue the wedding plans.

On the second visit, the groom’s family make their intention known again. The bride’s family have already confirmed that she was interested in the groom. This time the groom’s family come bearing gifts. The bride is then called out in public and asked for the umpteenth time if she was ready to marry the groom.

3. Igbo Bride Price Payment (Ime Ego)

Once the groom gets consent from the bride’s family. He visits again to settle the bride price. This does not equate to the value of the bride but only a symbolic gesture.

4. Wine Carrying Ceremony (Igba Nkwu Nwanyi)

This is like the fourth stage of the entire marriage process. It is also said to be the formal traditional ceremony and takes place in the bride’s paternal home.

The ceremony could be large or small depending on the couple or families’ preference.

The bride is often dressed in a blouse, wrapper, red coral beads with a colourful headgear (Ichafu).

Photo Credit: Kamdora, NaijaGlam