Traditional marriage in Mbaise
By Felix Uka, Reporter, Abakaliki

Every society has its own customs and traditions as it concerns marriage. It is about a girl leaving her parents, brothers and sisters to join a man, to live together as long as they have life. The girl child even from her teenage years starts nursing the consciousness of marriage. At the age of 18, when she would have attained puberty, the feeling gets fully blown. When Mr. Right comes along, no one can change her mindset. Typically, wedding is the woman's day for which reason invitation cards indicate that Miss. A weds Mr. B, not the other way round. The man just joins the train.






No wonder the woman smiles from the beginning to end of the occasion.

In most countries of the western world, much of what is known is the church wedding, yet there exists some sorts of traditional marriage prior to the observance of the church wedding. In as much as the Christianity brought into Africa by the British colonial masters tends to have swallowed up African cultures, the African man still sticks to the tradition of going to his homestead, among his kinsmen and women, to undertake certain traditional rites before taking his wife-to-be to the church wedding.

In Igbo land, the tradition differs from community to community. But in all cases, bride prices are paid. To Ndigbo, the credence is that no amount of money or materials could be adequate for giving their daughter away to the man. In this guise, they give a list of materials that could be mind-boggling, but not really with the intent of the groom-to-be procuring everything on the list. No known marriage agreement had failed for failure of the intending groom producing this or that material or money. It's all about negotiation and ultimate agreement.

In Mbaise, one of the most populous local governments in Imo State, a core Igbo region, there exists an erroneous belief that it costs relatively much to marry their daughters. Still many Mbaise daughters are being married to people outside of the local government area. Some argue that special interest in marrying Mbaise girls is because of their dedication to marriage and hard work, and their ability to stay in a marriage through thick and thin. Whatever be the case, indications are that those who ventured to marry from among Mbaise people more often than not have blissful testimonies of the marriage.

Without doubt, civilisation has made it a common feature that intertribal marriages are on the increase, as many of these youths congregate in schools and engage in courtships that sometimes end up in marriage.

Such was recently witnessed in Ubahi Amumara, Ezinihitte Mbaise in Ezinihitte Local Government Area of Imo State. Mr. Festus Oseji from Obi-Ukpo Ibabu, Kwale West Local Government Area of Delta State, with his kinsmen and women were in the family compound of the late Linus Nwakwuoke Uka in Mbaise to ask for the hand of their daughter, Jovita Onyinyechi, in marriage.

It was a sort of special outing. The traditions of the Kwale and Mbaise people significantly differ, but were by the drive of marriage made to intermingle. The love that blossomed between the two families took away the concern for the long distance the Kwale people had to travel in search of the bride.

Moreover, it was not a day's journey. They had earlier gone to the bride's family to seek authorisation to come for Onyinye's hand in marriage. Having gotten approval, they came with their people in great numbers.

To appease the bride's family and cement the relationship, they brought 10 jars of palm wine including several raffia palm wine, the brand tapped in the bride's area of Mbaise.

After eating pounded yam/fufu and gulping the palm wine, the rites began. The women took their seats at the expansive backyard of Uka's compound, while the men sat under a kolanut tree on the other flank. Then began the dialogue.

Shortly after, an accord was struck, then the visitors began shaking hands with their in-laws. The latest in-law in town, Festus, told his in-laws that he was most joyful. He embraced his in-laws while his people joined in the jubilation.

Then came the next merriment in front of the house decorated with peculiar Indian made materials called George. It was made of many colours. The people were seated, while Reverend Father (Dr.) David Ihenacho, flagged off the ceremony with an opening prayer.

Thereafter the Master of Ceremony (MC), Nze Patrick Akataobi, took the stage. Not long after, the ceremony was over with the bride in what appears to be mixed feelings, though joyous for having actualised her dream, began to cry, shedding tears and looking back as the groom held firmly to as if not to let go. However, Onyinye still left with the man of her dreams.

http://odili.net/news/source/2009/jan/20/700.html

No known marriage agreement had failed for failure of the intending groom producing this or that material or money. It's all about negotiation and ultimate agreement.

In Mbaise, one of the most populous local governments in Imo State, a core Igbo region, there exists an erroneous belief that it costs relatively much to marry their daughters. Still many Mbaise daughters are being married to people outside of the local government area. Some argue that special interest in marrying Mbaise girls is because of their dedication to marriage and hard work, and their ability to stay in a marriage through thick and thin. Whatever be the case, indications are that those who ventured to marry from among Mbaise people more often than not have blissful testimonies of the marriage.

Without doubt, civilisation has made it a common feature that intertribal marriages are on the increase, as many of these youths congregate in schools and engage in courtships that sometimes end up in marriage.

Such was recently witnessed in Ubahi Amumara, Ezinihitte Mbaise in Ezinihitte Local Government Area of Imo State. Mr. Festus Oseji from Obi-Ukpo Ibabu, Kwale West Local Government Area of Delta State, with his kinsmen and women were in the family compound of the late Linus Nwakwuoke Uka in Mbaise to ask for the hand of their daughter, Jovita Onyinyechi, in marriage.

It was a sort of special outing. The traditions of the Kwale and Mbaise people significantly differ, but were by the drive of marriage made to intermingle. The love that blossomed between the two families took away the concern for the long distance the Kwale people had to travel in search of the bride.

Moreover, it was not a day's journey. They had earlier gone to the bride's family to seek authorisation to come for Onyinye's hand in marriage. Having gotten approval, they came with their people in great numbers.

To appease the bride's family and cement the relationship, they brought 10 jars of palm wine including several raffia palm wine, the brand tapped in the bride's area of Mbaise.

If you are dating an igbo woman from that area, read the passage above to know how much you will be spending when you want to marry her.

Still many Mbaise daughters are being married to people outside of the local government area. S[b]ome argue that special interest in marrying Mbaise girls is because of their dedication to marriage and hard work, and their ability to stay in a marriage through thick and thin. Whatever be the case, indications are that those who ventured to marry from among Mbaise people more often than not have blissful testimonies of the marriage[/b].

Big lie

Ah ah . Earthmummy, wetin concern OBAMA & his FAMILY with Mbaise marriage? Abi Obama"s wife is from Mbaise? That picture confuse me no be small.

Ah Huh ah Huh. Earthmummy, wetin concern OBAMA & his FAMILY with Mbaise marriage? Abi Obama"s wife is from Mbaise? That picture confuse me no be small

She's obsessed with Igbos
Maybe na Mbaise man go marry am
I hope you're fertile enough to have at least 12 kids
That's the least we require of you

[quote][/quote]
Quote
Still many Mbaise daughters are being married to people outside of the local government area. Some argue that special interest in marrying Mbaise girls is because of their dedication to marriage and hard work, and their ability to stay in a marriage through thick and thin. Whatever be the case, indications are that those who ventured to marry from among Mbaise people more often than not have blissful testimonies of the marriage.
Big lie

@earthmama, i have been married to an lady for five years now,yes i want to agree that they are hardworking,

eya

carnal:

Quote
Still many Mbaise daughters are being married to people outside of the local government area. Some argue that special interest in marrying Mbaise girls is because of their dedication to marriage and hard work, and their ability to stay in a marriage through thick and thin. Whatever be the case, indications are that those who ventured to marry from among Mbaise people more often than not have blissful testimonies of the marriage.
Big lie

@earthmama, i have been married to an mbaise lady for five years now,yes i want to agree that they are hardworking,have ability to stay in marriage (which i think is alot common with ibo girls compare to our yoruba sisters,no offense to anyone) but i disagree on the point that PEOPLE WHO VENTURED TO MARRY THEM OFTEN HAVE BLISSFUL TESTIMONIES and my reason is also that they are unnecessary stubborn and they could very wicked/mean at the least provocation.

i am aware you ddidn't write the article just making my own input as per what your comment,anyway she doesn't have neither mustache abi hair in the chest hahahaha

To whoever wish to have an everlasting marriage what you need is an Mbaise Girl, Never mind the cost and the initial gra gra they gives at the beginning you will benefit a lot from it. since quality worth the price.
They're Hard-working, don't depend much on husband to bring food to the table,they stay in marriage, in case of husband's death they pick up the responsibilities of bringing up the children to taste, Families don't interfer much in marriage lives, they're respectful, educated, productive, industrious,and the most Beautiful girls in Igboland,
Mary Odili, Genevieve Nnaji and Rita Dominic are few examples of Mbaise Products

earTHMama if your brothers are tired with their sisters just tell them to catch Ekene Dili Chukwu Bus at Maza maza to east, After Owerri the next stop is Mbaise.


Happy New year to hall, this is my first time of entering Nairaland this year.

oziomatv:

To whoever wish to have an everlasting marriage what you need is an Mbaise Girl, Never mind the cost and the initial gra gra they gives at the beginning you will benefit a lot from it. since quality worth the price.
They're Hard-working, don't depend much on husband to bring food to the table,they stay in marriage, in case of husband's death they pick up the responsibilities of bringing up the children to taste, Families don't interfer much in marriage lives, they're respectful, educated, productive, industrious,and the most Beautiful girls in Igboland,
Mary Odili, Genevieve Nnaji and Rita Dominic are few examples of Mbaise Products

earTHMama if your brothers are tired with their sisters just tell them to catch Ekene Dili Chukwu Bus at Maza maza to east, After Owerri the next stop is Mbaise.


Happy New year to hall, this is my first time of entering Nairaland this year.

funmi, you see wetin you cause? there is nothing like a bad publicity. you just increased trafffic to mbaise as if they are not expensive enough.

why didnt oziomatv marry one himself? pelu gbogbo pubilicity ton shey kakiri fun awon Mbaise, oyinbo ni o marry at the end of it

.

oziomatv:

To whoever wish to have an everlasting marriage what you need is an Mbaise Girl, Never mind the cost and the initial gra gra they gives at the beginning you will benefit a lot from it. since quality worth the price.
They're Hard-working, don't depend much on husband to bring food to the table,they stay in marriage, in case of husband's death they pick up the responsibilities of bringing up the children to taste, Families don't interfer much in marriage lives, they're respectful, educated, productive, industrious,and the most Beautiful girls in Igboland,
Mary Odili, Genevieve Nnaji and Rita Dominic are few examples of Mbaise Products

earTHMama if your brothers are tired with their sisters just tell them to catch Ekene Dili Chukwu Bus at Maza maza to east, After Owerri the next stop is Mbaise.


Happy New year to hall, this is my first time of entering Nairaland this year.

sadly, going by your examples, religious virtue is not of their sterling qualities. shey you don't mind the yellow wedding gown Genvieve would have to wear. . .no way she can claim virgin, is there?

sadly, going by your examples, religious virtue is not of their sterling qualities. shey you don't mind the yellow wedding gown Genvieve would have to wear. . .no way she can claim virgin, is there?

You are right. All muslim women marry as virgins after all they marry at 10.

Some argue that special interest in marrying Mbaise girls is because of their dedication to marriage and hard work, and their ability to stay in a marriage through thick and thin. Whatever be the case, indications are that those who ventured to marry from among Mbaise people more often than not have blissful testimonies of the marriage.

absolute rubbish

mbaise ke



some pple and their close minded views sef

really like to see any data supporting such dubious claims

~Sauron~:

@ EarTHMama,

How do u pronounce "Mbaise"??

It's simple= Mba-Ise, meaning Five towns.  Mba=Town. Ise= five(5) Mba-ise or Mbise
The name Mbaise was given as they're five towns joined together to form one town. Now they have 3 local govts.
They're sometimes called countryfive, Mba5, or fivefingers.

You'll never enjoy Igboman if you're not dealing with an Mbaiseman.

You'll never enjoy Igboman if you're not dealing with an Mbaiseman.

How will he enjoy an igboman?. He's not that gay.

~Sissy~:

absolute rubbish

mbaise ke



some pple and their close minded views sef

really like to see any data supporting such dubious claims

If you jump inside River Niger or jump from 3rd mainland bridge I think you will get enough datas supporting your dubious doubt. . . .don't forget your towel there is probability of getting wet there. . .

earTHMama:

How will he enjoy an igboman?. He's not that gay.

Ironically I was referring to you oldmama, since your urge to be with Igboman is growing more than your expectation.