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Marriage Customs in the Nigerian Culture. By: 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
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Marriage Customs in the Nigerian Culture By: 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.