In Nigeria, usually three types of weddings occur: court
weddings, church weddings and traditional weddings. These weddings take
place at different places and most couples actually do all the three
depending of course, on their financial state. Generally, court wedding
takes place first, then the church wedding then the traditional wedding
ceremony. They are normally characterized by different colors and
dancing and music.
Customs vary from one part of Nigeria to the other with the
traditional weddings. Like in the Western parts they refer to it as the
engagement ceremony. Usually elders and officials drink wine while
inviting the couple for introductions and negotiations. Negotiations
include presentation of the bride price (dowry), consisting also gift of
shoes, jewelry, bags and textile. Then, festivity and fun follows. On
the other hands, the Eastern parts of the country somehow follows the
same tradition adding a little more activities. Elders from the bride
and groom gather into a room to negotiate on the dowry. After this,
gifts are presented to the bride’s family then the bride with her
entourage of girls is presented to the groom, the groom’s family and to
the guests.
Talking about traditional weddings, the following are the top 5 Nigerian traditional wedding dresses.
1. Aso Oke
Aso Oke (read as Ah-Shaw-Okay) means top cloth. These are the dresses
woven by the Yoruba men in Nigeria. Men’s aso oke dresses are called
agbada. We have to understand that there are 3 main types of aso oke
dresses: Alaari, Sanyan and Etu. Alaari are the red ones; Sanyan which
are usually brown or light brown aso oke dresses; Etu, the dark blue aso
oke dresses.
Aso Oke dresses are worn throughout the southwestern part of
Nigeria during their weddings. Women’s aso oke garments usually consist
of 4 parts: the Yoruba blouse called “Buba”, the wrap skirt called
“Iro”, the head tie called “Gele”, and the shawl or shoulder sash called
“Iborun” or “Ipele”. Mean typically wear agbada and trousers called
“sokoto”.
2. Ankara
Ankara is actually one of the cheapest traditional fabrics which is
made by using Indonesian batik making techniques. It has tribal-like
patterns with bright colors. Unlike Aso Oke which are used specifically
for weddings and other occasions, Ankara are also used for
everyday wear.
3. Aso Ebi
Aso ebi means “uniformed solidarity dress”. These dresses are
known for their association with weddings and other special occasions.
It is the oldest and most valuable type of African attire. They are like
uniform dresses worn by family members during weddings and other
special events in Nigeria.
Basically, Aso ebi serves a number of functions. First, it
ensures continuity in relation to the use and production of the previous
clothing – the aso oke. Second, it helps visitors identify the
wife/groom/celebrant’s family members or those who belong to the same
social or religious group with groom or the bride,or the celebrant.
Third, it is used not only by Nigerians but the rest of the African
countries too.
Weddings are the major events to use aso ebi but they can also be used in any general or official occasions.
4. Jewel by lisa
Jewel by lisa is a luxury dress with a mix of modern and
traditional design. It was the first one to embellish Ankara with
sequins, swarovski crystals and beads.
Jewel by lisa is among the fabulous African dresses which can be
used in weddings. They are women’s wear and accessories collection
which are becoming the most prominent Nigerian luxury brand with its
careful attention to details and quality craftsmanship.
5. Bella naija
Like the other traditional wedding dresses, bellanaija adds beauty in
a wedding. It is used in many Nigerian weddings as aso ebi
dresses. Below are bellanaija dresses used in Nigerian weddings.
Blogger Comment
Facebook Comment