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Introduction ceremony
from AFRICAN WHISTLE
I call this ceremony, “the mini wedding or meet and greet or consent ceremony” The purpose of the introduction ceremony is for prospective in-laws’ to meet officially. Though you may be familiar with the family who your child is dating, it is not official until the family of the groom-to-be visits the family of the bride in a ceremonial way to introduce themselves as the would-be in-law and ask for the consent of the bride to be in marriage. Key family members from both families are usually invited for the ceremony. It used to be a small ceremony, but the ceremony in the current days has been turned to a mini wedding depending on the financial situation of both families. The introduction ceremony takes place before the engagement ceremony, court registry or any religious wedding. It is an avenue where the two families agree to give their children’s hand in marriage. The introduction ceremony can be compared to the Western proposal and engagement. The major difference is that in the traditional introduction, the groom and his family seek the consent of the bride and the family, whereas the Western engagement or proposal only seek for the consent of the bride only.
Article by Beatrice Babalola
Some years back, my children asked me, “Mummy, why do people have three weddings?
After explaining the details of each of the ceremonies, they all came to the agreement that the concept and the purpose of each one is unique and are worth celebrating
PICKING THE DATE FOR THE INTRODUCTION:
The bride-to-be notifies her family of the intention of the groom to be at the visitation and introduction ceremony. The family of the bride-to-be picks a date, and the groom’s family is notified. An agreement is reached by both families for the date. Then, the preparation for the ceremony begins.
THE FAMILY INTRODUCTION CEREMONY DAY:
The ceremony, though small, is usually colorful with fun, dances, and lots of food. The groom’s family arrives at the bride’s family home, sometimes in the same color of attire with head gear for the women and hats for men The family may be accompanied by drummers and a professional moderator (Alaga). They will stay outside the residence of the bride until they are given the permission to enter the residence.
