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.