21/04/2020
The traditional engagement is carried out by a contracted professional called the Alaga ijoko which translates to traditional master of ceremony. This person could be a member of the bride’s family or a complete stranger. Her duty is to properly officiate and coordinate the proceedings so that each provision of tradition is strictly adhered to.
There are different stages she coordinates which makes the event more lively. The groom and his friends are formally introduced to the bride's family. This involves bowing to the family and formally requesting their daughter's hand in marriage.
The groom’s people also hire a professional called the Alaga iduro, which means a master of ceremony who follows the groom and family to beg for the hand of their daughter. The Alaga iduro is also a professional custodian of Yoruba wedding tradition. She could also be a family member or hired for the occasion.
Other festivities include the letter reading, which is read by a young lady from the groom’s family and which also asks for the bride's hand. The bride's family also responds with a letter of their own called the acceptance letter.
The engagement is an integral part of the traditional marriage. As the ceremony proceeds, items listed for the engagement are presented. The items vary slightly in each Yoruba traditional wedding, but the general articles are the same.
A bag of sugar
A bag of salt
A bag of rice
Alligator pepper
A large number of bitter kola
A bag of salt
Kolanuts
2 baskets of fruits
Assorted sweets
Cartons of drink
If Christian, a Bible with a gold engagement 💍
If Muslim, a Quran
A keg of honey
A keg of groundnut oil
About forty large tubers of yam
Non edible items could include expensive materials like lace, several pairs of shoes, a wristwatch, etc....
Do you need a competent Alaga Iduro/ Ijoko for your wedding? Call us today for your next event and you will be glad you did!!!