"Exploring Yoruba Wedding Custom and Their Significance: Contest #219"

Good day, people of Hive! Welcome to my blog. Today's topic is from Ladies of Hive. And this would be my first time writing in this community.

In my culture, Yoruba, weddings are not just about two people getting married but about bringing families and communities together. The whole process of the wedding is filled with important customs that must be followed and also that show respect, unity, and celebration. Let me explain the traditions and customs to you people.

Introduction

Before the wedding ceremony between the two couples, the groom and his family will go and meet the bride's family in what is called an "introduction". This is where the two families, both the groom and bride, meet, greet, get to know each other, and also talk about the marriage. It's like showing respect and ensuring that both families agree to the marriage. It's like the groom's family is asking for permission and blessings from the bride's family before the marriage can move forward

The Bride Price

In Yoruba culture, the groom's family is expected to give pay a "bride price" to the bride's family. This is like a sign of appreciation and a promise to take good care of the bride. The groom presents a lot of things to the bride's family, such as money, gifts, etc.

Traditional wedding clothes

On the wedding day, both the groom and bride wear special clothes (matching clothes). The bride's family will put on the same clothes chosen by the family which is called "Aso-ebi." Likewise, the groom's family will also be wearing matching outfits. The headgear of a bride is called "gele." It is worn to show the beauty and elegance of the bride, while the groom wears a cap. In Yoruba language, it is called "Abeti Aja" or "Fila." The clothes the couples and their families wear show how they are proud of their heritage.

Asking for the bride's hand in marriage

One of the most important moments or parts during the wedding is when the groom prostrate or kneels to ask for the bride's hand in marriage. This is a way of showing respect to the bride and her family.

Music and Dancing

In a Yoruba wedding, music and dancing are also a huge part of the celebration. The guests, family, including the couple's, dance to the rhythm of the drums and songs played by the musicians they called. It's a time for everyone to celebrate the couples and their new life together.

Elders Blessing

At the wedding, the elders, like priests (pastors, imams, etc.), and community (someone close to the couple) give blessings to the couples. The blessings are meant for protection and guidance for the couple's future.

The role of the community

One of the things about Yoruba weddings is that they involve not just the couple's families but the whole community. Everyone comes together to celebrate the couples. It's about unity and showing love and care for the couple's.

Bride's commitment

After the wedding rituals, the bride will take an oath, promising to be a good wife, daughter-in-law and also to be committed to her new family and the responsibilities she has as a wife because it's very important.

In conclusion, a Yoruba wedding is not just about the couple; it's about families, community, and traditions. The practices, like, paying the bride price, buying of gifts, and the dancing, all of them symbolise respect, unity, and celebration. It's a way of honouring the couple's new life together. These customs and traditions continue to be an important part of Yoruba weddings, making them meaningful and memorable.

This is my entry for the Ladies of Hive Community Contest: #219

Thanks for reading💞💞💞💞💞.