By Naija Event Experts
October 26, 2023
The Yoruba culture of southwestern Nigeria is rich in traditions and customs, and one of the most important aspects of Yoruba weddings is the practice known as “Eru Iyawo.” The term “Eru Iyawo” translates to “bride’s dowry” or “bride price” in English, but its significance goes beyond the exchange of material wealth. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the multifaceted meaning and evolving nature of Eru Iyawo.
What is the meaning of Eru Iyawo?
In English, “Eru” translates to “load,” while “Iyawo” translates to “bride.” Eru Iyawo” can be translated to “bride’s load” in English, signifying the assortment of items presented by the groom’s family to the bride’s family as part of the Yoruba wedding tradition.
Eru Iyawo,” also known as “Nkan Idana” by the Yoruba people, is an important wedding tradition in Yorubaland, Nigeria. It refers to the bridal dowry or gift items presented by the groom’s family to the bride’s family as part of the traditional marriage ceremony.
The Basics of Eru Iyawo
At its core, Eru Iyawo is a traditional practice in Yoruba culture that symbolizes the union of two families through marriage. In this practice, the groom or his family provides gifts, money, or other items to the bride’s family as a symbol of appreciation and a show of commitment. The exchange of Eru Iyawo is an integral part of Yoruba marriage ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of unity and familial bonds.
Eru: A Load of Tradition
The word “Eru” in Eru Iyawo is particularly interesting. It signifies a load of different items packaged together by the groom’s family. These items are carefully selected and often include yams, fruits, beverages, foodstuff, clothing, jewelry, kitchen utensils, money and other essential items for the bride’s new life. The presentation of Eru is a gesture of respect and a way for the groom’s family to demonstrate their commitment to supporting the bride.
Iyawo: The Beloved Bride
“Iyawo” means “bride” in Yoruba, and Eru Iyawo is a tangible expression of the groom’s love and devotion to his bride. It is a way of honoring the bride’s family and acknowledging the importance of her presence in the groom’s life.
The Eru Iyawo List (Yoruba Engagement List)
Eru Iyawo List” – a comprehensive catalog of items and gifts that are meticulously prepared by the groom’s family and presented to the bride’s family.
In Yoruba wedding tradition, the Eru Iyawo list varies from one family to another and from town to town. Nonetheless, the following are the common items found on the Eru Iyawo list, based on my observation of over 100 Yoruba wedding ceremonies, both in-person and virtually attended.
1. Suitcase, Clothing and Fabrics: A central component of the Eru Iyawo List is clothing and fabrics. This includes colorful, exquisite attires for the bride, as well as various textiles and head wraps (gele) to adorn her in her new role as a married woman.
2. Big Tubers of Yam: Yam is a staple food in many Nigerian households, symbolizing fertility, strength and abundance.
3. Authentic Orogbo (Bitter Kolas): Bitter kola is believed to have medicinal and spiritual significance, often associated with good health and well-being.
4. Authentic Obi Abata (Kolanuts): Kolanuts are used for prayer and as a symbol of hospitality and welcoming guests.
5. Aadun: Aadun, also known as Adun, is a sweet delicacy in Yoruba culture, symbolizing the sweetness of married life.
6. Assorted Fruits: Fruits included in the Eru Iyawo list in Yoruba wedding traditions often carry several symbolic meanings: Fertility: Fruits are commonly associated with fertility and the prospect of a fruitful and abundant family life. The presence of fruits on the list signifies the couple’s desire for a marriage that is blessed with many children.
7. Coconuts: The coconut’s hard shell and water-filled interior can symbolize the idea of unity and wholeness in marriage. Just as the coconut’s shell and flesh are inseparable, the couple is expected to remain united and strong, facing life’s challenges together.
8. Food Stuffs like Rice, Sugar, Non-perishable Food: These food items symbolize sustenance and abundance in the couple’s home.
9. Bible and Quran for Christians and Muslims respectively and other Religious Items (Veil, Tesbir, Kettle, Praying Mat: These religious books and items are included to symbolize the couple’s faith and spiritual foundation.
10. Engagement Ring for the bride: The engagement ring represents the promise and commitment of the groom to marry the bride.
11. Umbrella: An umbrella is a symbol of protection and cover, signifying the groom’s responsibility to provide for and protect the bride.
12. Set of Dishes: These are essential kitchenware items that signify the bride’s role as a homemaker.
13. Cartons of Bottled Water: Bottled water represents purity and refreshment for the couple and guests during the wedding ceremony.
14. Palm Wine: Palm wine is a traditional drink, signifying joy, happiness, and unity.
15. Assorted Snacks: These snacks are for immediate consumption and refreshment during the wedding festivities.
16. Atare (African Alligator Peppers): Alligator peppers are used in Yoruba culture for their spicy flavor and spiritual significance.
17. Bottles of Honey: Honey is a symbol of sweetness and a harmonious married life.
18. Jewelry: No Yoruba bride is complete without the adorning glimmer of jewelry. The Eru Iyawo List typically includes gold and silver ornaments, such as necklaces, earrings, watches, bracelets, and even decorative waist beads, symbolizing the bride’s beauty and grace.
19. Shoes: The bride is provided with a collection of stylish and high-quality shoes to suit various occasions and outfits. These shoes are an essential part of the bride’s trousseau.
20. Kitchen Utensils: The bride’s new life often begins in a new home, and a well-stocked kitchen is vital. The Eru Iyawo List typically includes an array of kitchen utensils, from pots and pans to cutlery, reflecting the groom’s commitment to providing for his new family.
21. Perfumes and Toiletries (Optional): Grooming and personal care items, such as perfumes, soaps, and lotions, are thoughtfully included to help the bride feel pampered and prepared for her new life.
22. Owo Ori (Bride Price or Bride’s dowry): Alongside physical gifts, cash is also a crucial part of the Eru Iyawo List. The monetary component is often a symbol of the bride’s worth and is presented to the bride’s family as part of the bride’s price. The bride price in Yoruba weddings varies significantly from one family to another. It can range from as little as five thousand Naira to as high as 500 hundred thousand Naira, typically not exceeding the latter amount. However, this tradition has seen a shift in recent times. Things have evolved, and most Yoruba families are now returning the money to the groom and his family. I’ve noticed a growing trend where families are expressing, ‘I am not selling my child.’ It’s becoming more common for people to return the dowry.
23. Cash Envelopes: The groom’s family should also be prepared for various cash envelopes, including:
- Owo Iya Gbo (Money for the bride’s mother’s consent): The amount is not fixed and depends on the capabilities of the groom’s family.
- Owo Baba Gbo (Money for the bride’s father’s consent): The amount is not fixed and depends on the capabilities of the groom’s family.
- Owo Ijoko Agba (Money for the elders’ consent): The amount is not fixed and depends on the capabilities of the groom’s family.
- Owo Aeroplane (Bride transportation fee): The amount is not fixed and depends on the capabilities of the groom’s family.
- Owo Alaga Ijoko (The Yoruba Wedding Compere fee): The amount is not fixed and depends on the capabilities of the groom’s family.
- Owo Ikanlekun (Door knocking fee): The amount is not fixed and depends on the capabilities of the groom’s family.
- Owo Isiju Iyawo (Fee for unveiling the bride): The amount is not fixed and depends on the capabilities of the groom’s family.
- Owo Iyawo Ile (Money for the Housewives): The amount is not fixed and depends on the capabilities of the groom’s family.
- Owo Omo Ile (Money for the Children of the household): The amount is not fixed and depends on the capabilities of the groom’s family.
- Owo Letter kika (Letter reading fee): The amount is not fixed and depends on the capabilities of the groom’s family.
- Owo Isigba (Engagement gifts unveiling fee): The amount is not fixed and depends on the capabilities of the groom’s family.
It’s important to note that most of these cash gifts are typically requested and collected by the Alaga Ijoko (Yoruba Wedding Emcee). The bride’s family may not necessarily ask for or receive these gifts. Therefore, it’s crucial for the bride and groom to engage an Alaga who will not exploit them and will ensure a fair and respectful process during the wedding ceremony.
24 Drinks and Beverages: Traditional drinks and beverages, like palm wine and various spirits, are often featured. These are typically meant for celebratory purposes during the wedding festivities.
25. Gifts for Family Members: Beyond the bride herself, the Eru Iyawo List also includes gifts for the bride’s family members. This reflects the spirit of unity and respect for the bride’s lineage.
26. Traditional Accessories: These can encompass a wide range of items such as talking drums (gangan), beads, and ceremonial staffs (opa orere), adding a touch of tradition and cultural symbolism to the celebration.
27. Special Requests: In some cases, the bride’s family may have specific requests that are added to the Eru Iyawo List. These requests are made in accordance with their customs and traditions.
These items collectively represent various aspects of a prosperous and harmonious marriage. While some items have practical use in the couple’s new life together, others hold spiritual and cultural significance, creating a rich tapestry of tradition and meaning in the Yoruba wedding ceremony.
In today’s evolving Yoruba society, the Eru Iyawo tradition remains a cherished part of Yoruba weddings, while also adapting to contemporary values and expectations. It serves as a reminder that culture and tradition can seamlessly blend with modernity, creating a truly beautiful celebration of love and heritage.
Evolving Traditions
While Eru Iyawo remains a cherished Yoruba tradition, it’s worth noting that the practice has evolved over time. In today’s world, what most Yoruba people, including my own family because I am Yoruba myself, are doing now during the Yoruba wedding ceremony, which is regarded as a customary marriage in Nigeria, is to accept only the gift items like yams, clothes, drinks, and return the bride price’s money to the groom’s family. The bride’s family also gifts the groom’s family their own gifts in exchange for the gifts that the bride’s family received from the groom. Most Yoruba families, particularly in southwestern and North Central Nigeria, are no longer accepting bride prices, emphasizing that their daughters are not for sale and that marriage is about love and partnership rather than material exchange.
In contemporary Yoruba weddings, Eru Iyawo often includes a symbolic exchange of gifts between both families as a gesture of mutual appreciation. This shift reflects changing societal norms and a focus on the importance of love and consent in modern marriages.
In conclusion, Eru Iyawo encompasses more than just a bride’s dowry; it represents the cultural significance of unity, love, and family bonds in Yoruba traditions. While the practice has evolved to align with changing values, it remains a vital element of Yoruba weddings, celebrating the union of two families and the love between a bride and groom.
Yoruba culture continues to be a source of inspiration, demonstrating how traditions can adapt to modern times while preserving their essential meaning and significance.
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Image Credits: Eru Iyawo Concepts; Wrap It by Ile_Oko_Ya
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