Yoruba Engagement: List of Items Required
A SUITCASE INCLUDING ACCESSORIES AND GARMENTS FOR THE BRIDE
Shoes, Aso oke, damask, George, handbags, ankara, and lace are all included in this suitcase.
HEN OR SHE-GOAT.
She-goats or hens are symbols of fertility. It implies that having children after marriage would be natural.
SUGAR CANE.
Sugar is tasty and represents sweetness. Thus, this signifies that the new home would be filled with sweetness.
A BIBLE OR A KORAN.
Since religion is so important in Yoruba engagement ceremonies, a Bible is on the list if the bride is a Christian, and a Koran if she is a Muslim.
A 42-PIECE COLANUT (OBI ABADA).
RINGS FOR ENGAGEMENT FOR THE BRIDE AND THE GROOM.
The wedding bands should be of the highest calibre.
2 BOTTLES OF HONEY
Honey is a sweet symbol. Thus, it implies that the home would be filled with sweetness.
2 BASKETS WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF FRUITS.
Fruits are a symbol of fertility and fruitfulness. On the day of the wedding ceremony, these fruits would be used to amuse the Yoruba guests.
25 LITRE OF BOTH VEGETABLE AND PALM OIL.
In Nigerian traditions, palm oil holds a significant traditional place. As a result, it is utilised at significant events like traditional wedding rites.
A 42-PIECE DRY FISH MENU
42 BITTER KOLA PIECES (OROGBO).
Bitter Kola symbolises the health of the bride and groom’s future family as it has many healing components.
CORN
Corn represents happiness in the new house.
ONE UMBRELLA
An umbrella represents the groom’s ability to provide for his wife and family appropriately and shield them from harm.
42 HUGE YAM TUBERS.
The most significant part of the traditional wedding ceremony is the presentation of the yam tubers. During the ceremony, there would be a fine if the correct number of yams weren’t provided. Yam also represents the man’s ability to provide for his family.
ONE BAGGE OF RICE
Rice is a symbol of fertility. One of the most frequently prepared dishes in Nigeria.
TWO CARTONS OF SOFT BEVERAGES
Since the Yoruba people dislike having their mouths dry during special occasions, these soft drinks would be used in entertainment.
Salt is a symbol of plenty. In the home, it’s anticipated that it will never end.
Two cartons of malt beverage and a bag of beans.
These would be used as wedding ceremony entertainment.
COOKING ITEMS LIKE POTS, PANS, AND CUPS.
These cooking items would be presented to the couple after the wedding ceremony so they do not have to buy new ones when they get to their new home.
A WRISTWATCH, CHAINS, AND EARRINGS.
To withstand the test of time, these ought to be of the highest calibre.
JUICE IN 2 CARTONS.
The traditional wedding ceremony would feature these as entertainment.
A PAIR OF DISHES
In order to save them money when they get to their new home, this set of dishes will be given to couples during the wedding ceremony.
PALM WINE IN A GALLON.
A VARIETY OF SUGAR AND BISCUITS.
The specific amount depends on the bride’s family but is typically #5,000 (BRIDE PRICE, OWO ORI).
Entrance funding.
Prior to entry into the groom’s compound for the main ceremony, this money is paid by the bridegroom’s family.
MONEY FOR THE HOUSEHOLD’S CHILDREN (OWO IMO ILE) – 5000 Naira MONEY FOR UNVEILING THE GIFT (OWO ISIGBA) – 2,000 Naira MONEY FOR THE ELDER’S CONSENT (OWO IJOKO AGBA) – 5,000 Naira MONEY FOR THE BRIDE’S FATHER’S CONSENT (OWO BABA GBO) –
MONEY FOR THE BRIDE’S MOTHER’S CONSENT (OWO IYA GBO) – #5,000
MONEY FOR KNOCKING OF DOOR (OWO IKANLEKUN) – #1,000
MONEY FOR UNVEILING THE BRIDE (OWO ISIJU IYAWO) – #2,000
MONEY FOR TRANSPORTING THE BRIDE (OWO AEROPLANE) – #1,000
MONEY FOR THE WIVES OF THE HOUSEHOLD (OWO IYAWO ILE) – #5,000
MONEY FOR READING LETTER (OWO LETTER KIKA) – #2,000
MONEY FOR THE MASTER OF CEREMONY (OWO ALAGA IJOKO) – #2,000
The bride’s family typically prepares the above-mentioned items for the Yoruba engagement, so she has no control over the list’s contents. Although the Yoruba Engagement list may vary depending on the bride’s family and state of origin, as a general rule, the list above covers the essential elements of any Eru Iyawo, as they are defined in the Yoruba language.
An abbreviated description of the events of the Yoruba wedding ceremony is as follows: The event starts with a prayer, after which moderators from the families of the groom and bride participate in a formal question-and-answer session to liven things up.
The groom’s family then submits the proposal letter, which is read aloud in front of everyone in attendance. In order to request approval of the proposal request made earlier, the groom and his party would then proceed to the stage and bow in front of the bride’s family’s elders. The bride is also brought out after the bride price is given. A successful union of man and wife occurs when the bride recognises and consents to marry the groom in front of everyone present. The newlyweds are then led to a pavilion that has been decorated especially for them, where there is merriment and food and drink for everyone.