By Naija Event Experts
November 17, 2023
Bini & Esan Traditional Wedding: The Edo people, part of the ancient Kwa language Edo-speaking ethnic groups, inhabit the South/Mid-Western region, known today as Edo State in Nigeria. Comprising the Esan, the Bini, and various other ethnic groups, they trace their lineage to the founders of the formidable Benin Empire. The collective term “Edo” encompasses these groups, united by a shared historical origin, political ties, and cultural affinities. Recognized as the Edoid peoples, they exhibit nearly identical traditional wedding practices and customs.
The Bini and Esan people, predominantly residing in Edo State and parts of the Southern region of Nigeria, uphold distinctive customs and traditions for their traditional weddings. If you’re embarking on the journey of planning your first Edo wedding, this article, crafted by an expert with a deep understanding of Edo culture, is tailored just for you.
In this article:
- Bini Traditional Wedding
- Esan Traditional Wedding
- Edo Traditional Wedding Attire
- Edo Traditional Wedding Attire for Bride
- Edo Traditional Wedding Attire for Groom
- Edo Traditional Wedding Attire for Couple
- Bini and Esan (Edo) Bride Price and Traditional Wedding Items List
- Eight Must-Have Traditional Soups at Your Edo and Bini Wedding
- More Pictures on Edo Traditional Wedding Attire for Bride, Groom and Couple
Bini Traditional Wedding
The initial phase of any Bini traditional wedding, known as the “Aso-bo-wuro” or knocking on the door ceremony, resembles what other ethnic groups, such as the Yoruba, term as the introduction. During this stage, the groom seeks permission to marry the bride from her family. The intending groom, along with about 5 to 8 or more family and friends, visits the bride’s family home. They arrive with a basket containing various gift items such as Bitter Kola, Sugar, Gin, Kola Nut, Uloka, Dried Fish, Assorted Fruits, and Coconut. The bride’s father, upon their arrival, engages with his daughter to ascertain her acceptance of the groom’s proposal. If the bride agrees, the groom’s proposal is accepted. To honor the Bini culture of hospitality, the bride’s parents entertain the visitors with kolanuts, food, and drinks. The date for subsequent wedding ceremonies, including the traditional, church, and court weddings, is then determined.
The second step involves the traditional wedding ceremony, featuring significant rituals. Key elements include the payment of the bride price, the bride sitting in the lap of the groom’s father or a father figure seven times, and a unique game involving “fake brides.”
During the traditional Edo wedding ceremony, older women from the bride’s family and friends present “fake brides” to the groom. The groom is tasked with identifying his future wife among them. If successful, the real bride is presented to her in-laws, and the couple is officially handed over to each other. The process involves the groom lifting the cloth from each fake bride’s face, declaring, “No, this is not my bride,” if she is not the intended spouse. Typically, the 6th or 7th woman presented is the real bride. This tradition serves as a test for the groom to claim his bride. Following the identification, the bride price is paid, and the bride is asked to sit on the lap of the groom’s father or father figure seven times. Both families offer advice and prayers for the couple, who then exchange Gin to seal the marriage. The couple is officially pronounced husband and wife, and the wedding reception, along with the entertainment of guests, ensues immediately.
Esan Traditional Wedding
The Esan traditional wedding rite closely mirrors that of the Bini, as outlined in this article. The initial step, known as Ivbuomo among the Esan, translates to ‘seeking a bride’ and corresponds to the introduction phase. Subsequently, the second phase mirrors the Bini traditional wedding ceremony, incorporating significant rituals as detailed in this article.
Edo Traditional Wedding Attire
In terms of attire, Edo traditional weddings, particularly those in Bini, feature the prominent use of coral beads. These beads, symbolic of power, prestige, wealth, royalty, and beauty, are predominantly worn by Edo and Bini women in Nigeria. The bride is adorned with Ivie (coral beads) and crowned with a beaded headpiece known as Okuku. This traditional attire serves as more than clothing; it embodies the cultural identity, values, and aspirations of the Edo people. The use of coral beads, vibrant colors, and intricate designs underscores the significance placed on aesthetics, symbolism, and the celebration of marital union.
Porsha Williams, an American television personality, exemplified the authenticity of Bini and Edo traditional wedding attire during her marriage to Nigerian (Bini) prince, Simon Guobadia. Their attire showcased the regality of Bini and Edo traditional wedding attire, emphasizing the infusion of coral beads and intricate designs. In the picture below, Porsha and Simon Guobadia are wearing traditional wedding clothes from the Edo (Bini) culture on their wedding day.
Edo Traditional Wedding Attire for Bride
This below image captures a moment from the traditional Edo (Bini) wedding of the Nollywood actress, Adesuwa Etomi. Her attire showcases intricate beaded necklaces, coral crown, bracelets, and anklets, which are typical elements of Edo traditional wedding attire for a Bini or Edo bride.
Bini bride
Edo Traditional Wedding Attire for Groom
Are you in search of Edo Traditional Wedding Attire for the groom? Look no further. Simon Guobadia’s ensemble (see the image above! ) serves as a perfect illustration of an authentic Edo traditional wedding attire for the groom.
Presenting a photo from the wedding day of Osama Erediawa, the son of the Bini/Edo monarch. The groom adorned himself in the authentic Bini (Edo) traditional wedding attire, creating a regal and dignified look.
Edo Traditional Wedding Attire for Couple
Each image above and the ones below serve as an inspiring canvas, offering a glimpse into the diverse choices available for crafting a unique and meaningful ensemble for the Bini and Esan (Edo) bride and groom on their special day.
Bini and Esan (Edo) Bride Price and Traditional Wedding Items List
In the Edo traditional wedding customs, the groom and his family present a meaningful list of items to the bride’s family, reflecting the rich Bini culture:
- Kola Nut: Embedded in an age-old Edo saying, “He who brings Kola Nut brings life,” symbolizing respect and the beginning of a prosperous union.
- Uloka: A traditional item with cultural significance, although specific details may vary.
- Gin: Used in ceremonies, particularly after prayers, signifying communal celebration and joy.
- Guinea Pepper: Represents spice and flavor, adding zest to the marital journey.
- Bitter Kola: Symbolizes the balance of life’s bitter and sweet moments within the union.
- Palm Wine: A drink of communal bonding, symbolizing unity and shared experiences.
- Palm Oil: Reflects richness and prosperity in the marital relationship.
- Packet of Sugar: Signifying the sweetness and harmony expected in the marriage.
- Assorted Drinks: Symbolize the diversity of experiences and shared joys.
- Antelope: A traditional gift, possibly representing fertility and abundance.
- Tubers of Yam: Symbolize sustenance, prosperity, and a fruitful union.
- Fabrics and Cloths: Represent the colorful and vibrant future of the couple.
- Bride Price: Traditionally a significant gesture symbolizing commitment and responsibility.
- Cash Gifts for the Bride’s Parents and Family: A token of appreciation and support for the bride’s family.
- Rice: A staple food item, symbolizing sustenance and the shared journey of life.
- Honey: Represents the sweetness and harmony expected in the marriage.
- Salt: Symbolizes purification, preservation, and the essential qualities needed for a successful marriage.
The Bini culture places importance on specific traditional items that the groom and his family are required to bring to the bride’s family. This includes Kola Nut, Uloka, Gin, Guinea Pepper, Bitter Kola, Palm Wine, Palm Oil, Packet of Sugar, assorted drinks, Antelope, Tubers of Yam, Fabrics and Cloths, Bride Price, Cash gifts for the bride’s parents and family, Rice, Honey, and Salt. It’s important to note that while these items form a common list in Bini and Esan tradition, each family may have unique preferences and variations in the items they desire, showcasing the diversity within the cultural tapestry of Bini and Edo weddings.
As per OppyJay Wedding Expert, a seasoned anchor for numerous Nigerian traditional weddings, the essential items commonly brought by grooms’ families for the traditional rite include a religious book (either Bible or Quran), an umbrella, 25 liters of palm oil, a plate of Kola nut, 1-2 cartons of wine, 1 jar of palm wine, 3-4 crates of malts, 7 cartons of beer, 35 tubers of yam, a modest sum for the bride price, cash gifts for the bride’s mother, bride’s father, and the extended family, a box filled with clothes and fabrics, half a bag of onions, one bag of salt, as well as coconut and honey.
Eight Must-Have Traditional Soups at Your Edo and Bini Wedding
Drawing from the wisdom of my Edo-indigenous grandmother, personal observations, and insights gleaned from various online Edo cultural sources, here is a curated list of eight indispensable traditional soups and foods for an Edo or Bini wedding: Egusi soup, Okra soup, Ogbono soup, Owo soup, Black soup (Omoebe), Groundnut soup, and the quintessential Pounded yam, Fufu, or Eba. Additionally, you might opt for optional delights such as Snails, meat pies, Puff Puff, White Rice, and Jollof Rice. American celebrity Porsha Williams, who celebrated her Edo traditional wedding in Nigeria, attested to the inclusion of traditional Edo (Bini) fare like snails, egusi, and okra soups, along with optional treats such as meat pies during the festivities.
More Pictures on Edo Traditional Wedding Attire for Bride, Groom and Couple
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