Igbo traditional wedding attire for the bride
Getting married is one of the most important steps in a person's life. All parents want their children to be happy. Wedding is a special day for two hearts that have decided to come together in unity. That is why, as a rule, every bride and groom try to do everything that they can in order to have the best wedding in the world. Bride and groom are the central persons at this event and that is why wedding attire is one of the main issues to think over. Let's find out about the best Igbo traditional wedding attire for the bride.
Usually, brides and grooms' attires play one of the biggest roles in the wedding ceremony. A large number of couples usually choose to pay homage to their roots and that is why traditional wedding outfits are so popular all around the world.
When it comes to Nigeria, it is important to point out that the traditional wedding is taken very seriously. In some cultures the concept of family is very important, so traditional wedding is the only acceptable kind. Our article today is devoted to the Igbo traditional wedding attires. Keep reading to know more!
Igbo traditional wedding
First of all, it is important to mention that the Nigerian Igbo tribe is full of various sects with their different cultures and traditions. As for the Igbo traditional wedding, it is a very serious deal which has become quite expensive. Usually, the traditional wedding describes a huge part of the Igbo culture and ethnicity, and also, it promotes unity and community.
As for the local wedding traditions, there is an old one in which an elder person gives an "ofo" to the bride and groom. Well, this "ofo" is a special stick which is made of wood and is thought to symbolize such things as the unity, truth, and indestructibility.
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The Igbo wedding ceremony usually includes another aspects called the "bride's train". As a rule, it made up of the bride and her single female friends. So, these women have to enter the church dancing, and people would spray money on them. It is thought to be an act of blessing.
Igbo traditional wedding ceremony
It is a well-known fact that the Igbo traditional wedding ceremony used to be held in three phases, which can take several days. By the way, proposing to an Igbo lady means proposing to her Umunna and her entire family, and what is more, they have to accept this proposal, or there would be no union at all.
So, here are the four steps of the Igbo traditional wedding ceremony:
#1 – Iku aka or iju ese (which means the wedding proposal);
#2 – An agreement of her Umunna and the entire family;
#3 – Ime Ego (this means the bride price);
#4 – Igba nkwu nwanyi (which means the wine carrying ceremony).
Igbo traditional wedding attires
In most cases, during the wedding ceremony the bride and groom attires usually compliment each other as they are sewn from the same fabric, but sometimes there are some exceptions. Usually, wedding outfits often favour the Ghana wax print, Ankara print, george, abada, Hollandis wax print, etc. In some families, people wear a blouse made of lace, and also they tie one of the mentioned fabrics by dividing it into two wrappers which are called Akwete. And what is more, the bride can also omit the blouse and choose to use only a well-designed wrapper as a dress.
Speaking about the bride’s body adornment, they usually use beautiful earrings, necklaces, coral bead, ankle bracelets, waist beads, gold and other ways to brighten their look. Also, the bride can wear brass leg rings. As for her toe nails, they cannot be left out because they are usually painted in shades that blend with the wedding color.
As for the bride's head, her hair could be braided or weaved with beaded coral beads or she can wear beaded crowns. Nowadays, women prefer to wear modern beaded cap and head tie.
Amazing Igbo traditional wedding attire for the bride
It is obvious that bride is the center of attention at any marriage ceremony. We must admit that when the couple enters the reception, everyone’s eye goes to the bride's attire. That is the main reason why the Igbo traditional wedding attires should be chosen and styled in a very careful and unique manner.
Part #1 is a wedding blouse and skirt
A large percentage of Igbo brides prefer a combination of a blouse and skirt more than a dress. But they should be very attentive while choosing the colour combination for traditional wedding attire. As a rule, the blouse has different sleeve length and can be decorated with complex adornments, such as an embroidery, frills, or a beautiful brooch.
The skirt, which used to be the bridesmaids' choice, or the wrapper, which is usually suggested by the married guests, always has a high waist and is enhanced with the help of overlaps, embroidery, fragments of various textiles, and other traditional elements.
As for the сolour combinations, the attire of the bride can even be white. This way , the bright coral beads will shine and accentuate the bride's look.
Many fashionista-brides choose cold color for their wedding attire. Look at this attire, isn't it gorgeous?
Some bright brides choose deep colors of their wedding attires, such as rich blue or purple.
Part #2 is a headgear
The second essential part of the Igbo traditional wedding attire for the bride is the headgear. According to family customs and traditions, and the bride’s taste as well, this headgear can be a head tie, which usually matches the color of the blouse or the wrapper, or a beaded cap, which is always in a coral colour.
Beaded caps and crowns can have various designs, everything depends on the taste of the bride.
Part #3 are accessories
The last but not the least part of the Igbo traditional wedding attire for the bride are accessories. When it comes to the most popular Igbo wedding accessories, we should point out that we can have here such items as striking coral beads, silver, gold, or ivory bracelets, and of course a stylish brooch.
By the way, the most traditional footwear is high-heeled shoes, although some brides have a spare pair of flats that they can change to for the more informal part of the wedding.
So, as you can see, the Igbo traditional wedding is a special festivity, and every bride should have the best look. Of course, different nations have different customs and traditions. We can say for sure that Nigerian traditional weddings are breathtaking and amazing, especially when it comes to attires.
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Source: Legit.ng
