10 Importance of Bride Price in Nigeria

Importance of Bride Price in Nigeria – The bride payment is a fundamental aspect of Nigerian custom and culture. As a gesture of respect and gratitude for the bride and her family, the groom and his family give the bride’s family an amount of money, products, or services.10 Best MTN Routers in Nigeria and their prices 

In many Nigerian communities, the bride price custom continues to be a significant part of marriage. It has been practiced in Nigeria for decades. The act is seen as a means of fostering connections and advancing societal harmony as well as a representation of the worth and significance of women in society.InformationGuideNigeria

However, the custom of paying a bride price has drawn criticism since, according to some, it encourages gender inequity and turns women into commodities. The cultural importance of bride price and its possible effects on gender roles and relationships in Nigerian culture must thus be understood.

What is Bride Price?

A bride price is an amount of money that the groom and his family give to the bride’s family prior to the wedding. Cash, products, or a mix of both are used as payment.

Types of Bride Price

1. Direct cash payment: This is the most typical kind of bride price, in which the groom gives the bride’s family a specific sum of money.200 Romantic Love Message
2. Goods and services: In certain cultures, the groom may choose to present the bride’s family with goods or services rather than money. The products might be furniture, clothes, jewelry, or food items.
3. Livestock: In certain traditional civilizations, the bride price consists of animals like cows, goats, or lambs. Such bride prices are typical in rural communities where livestock is the main source of income.
4. Land: Land is also utilized as a bride payment in certain cultures. As a token of respect and gratitude, the groom could grant the bride’s family a share of his property.5 Best Mtn Wifi in Nigeria and their prices
5. Currencies: In certain civilizations, bride prices are paid in assets other than currency. Precious metals, foreign money, and even crypto-currencies may fall under this category.

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Overview of Bride Price in the Three Major Tribes in Nigeria

The term “bride price,” which is often referred to as “dowry” or “bride wealth,” refers to a ritual that is common to many cultures across the globe, including the Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa tribes of Nigeria.

1. The Igbo Tribe’s Bride Price

The bride price, sometimes referred to as “IgbaNkwu” among the Igbo tribe, is a significant component of the customary wedding ritual. The sum varies based on numerous criteria, including the social position of the groom and the bride’s family, and is often paid in cash or in kind. The bride’s family could also request that the husband bring certain things, including clothing, food, and cattle.

The payment of the bride price is often followed by a number of rites and ceremonies that denote the marriage of the two families.

2. The Yoruba tribe’s bride price

The bride price, often referred to as “EruIyawo” among the Yoruba tribe, is a crucial component of the wedding ritual. The bride price is paid as a token of devotion and regard for the bride’s family. The amount given varies according to the social standing of the groom and the bride’s family.

In Yoruba culture, the bride price is often paid in cash or in kind, and the goods the bride’s family requests might include clothing, food, and other presents. The payment is often followed by a number of rites and ceremonies that represent the merger of the two families.

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3. Bride Price in the Hausa Tribe

The bride price, also known as “Sadaki” or “Sharo” is a crucial component of the wedding ritual in the Hausa Tribe. The bride price is paid as a sign of gratitude and respect for the bride’s family. The amount given varies according to the social standing of the groom and the bride’s family.

In Hausa tradition, the bride price is often paid in cash, cattle, or other commodities, with the bride’s family also sometimes demanding clothing, jewelry, and food.105 Good Morning Love Messages

The payment is often followed by a number of rites and ceremonies that represent the merger of the two families.

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Importance of Bride Price in Nigeria

1. Respect and Gratitude:

It is a sign of respect and gratitude for the bride’s family to pay the bride price. It demonstrates the groom’s respect for the bride and her family and his dedication to forging a bond with them.

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2. Encourages marriage and family stability

It is believed that paying the bride price encourages marriage and stability in the home. It confirms the husband’s dedication to the union and his willingness to support his wife and family.

3. Strengthens family bonds and relationships

Paying the bride price contributes to the improvement of family relations. It forges a connection between the two families that might last for many centuries.JAMB Portal

4. Cultural identity and tradition:

In many Nigerian communities, paying the bride price represents a significant cultural identity and tradition. It guarantees the transmission of cultural values and customs from one generation to the next.

5. Bride’s social security

The bride’s social security is provided by the payment of the bride price. In the case of her husband’s death or other unanticipated events, it makes sure she is safeguarded and financially secure.

6. Improves the bride’s social standing

The bride’s social standing may be improved by paying the bride price. It demonstrates how much her spouse and his family appreciates and loves her.10 Importance of Bride Price in Nigeria

7. Encourages gender roles and responsibilities

It is said that paying the bride price encourages gender roles and duties. It supports the notion that although the woman looks after the house, the male serves as the family’s provider and protector.

8. Promotes economic development

Paying the bride price may help the local economy grow since it stimulates family trade in products and services.

9. Groom’s marriage insurance

The payment of the bride price acts as the groom’s marriage insurance. It guarantees the bride’s commitment to the marriage and reduces her likelihood of leaving him.NYSC Portal

10. Prevents the transmission of sexually transmitted illnesses:

By ensuring that the bride is not engaged in casual or extramarital relationships, the bride price payment may help to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. This encourages loyalty and lowers the chance of disease transmission.

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Conclusion

It is impossible to overstate the significance of bride price in Nigeria. It stands for respect, admiration, and dedication to marriage. It encourages family stability, fortifies connections within the family, and raises the standing of women in society. Additionally, it encourages gender roles and obligations, acts as a type of social security, and may stop the spread of STDs. But the bride price custom also has disadvantages, such as financial strain, the commercialization of women, and the encouragement of gender inequity.

Overall, it is critical to acknowledge the cultural importance of the bride price and endeavor to remove its detrimental impacts on gender roles and relationships in Nigerian culture.

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