Marriage is a very colorful and a very intriguing part of the Yoruba culture.despite the developments in the modern world and the technological advancements that we have, very few as changed over the large span of years in the way that marriage was celebrated in indigenous Yoruba land and marriage as it is celebrated now.
The marriage process in the Yoruba land starts right after a young man has made a choice of the woman he desires. His parents’ appoints somebody simply called "ALARINA"(middleman or a chaperon),
The ALARINA, gets into the family of the woman in question, by getting to investigate to find out whether the lady’s family background was compatible with that of the young man, if there is a history of genetic diseases and in the lady’s family and to determine the kind of reputation she has.
If the ALARINA disapproves of the girl, further plans are cancelled and the couple can no longer be wedded as husband and wife.
However if the ALARINA approves the union, the families move to the next stage, which is to arrange an informal meeting, usually only families are invited, where the two families meet each as prospective in-laws for the first time. This meeting called "mo mi'n mo'e" (introduction), is usually either at the bride's home.
It is at this meeting they made their courting known to the family, and they fix a date for the main engagement. At this meeting, the groom's family is also presented with a list of items which form part of the dowry to be paid at the engagement ceremony, this list is called "Eru iyawo".
LIST (ERU IYAWO):
1. 42 big tubers of yam’
2. Palm oil and vegetable oil (25 liters)
3. Honey (1 big bottle)
4. Kolanut (called OBI, 25 pieces)
5. Bitter Kola (called OROGBO)
6. Alligator pepper (called ATARE , 42 pieces)
7. Sugar cane
8. Fruits (different types)’
9. Cow or goa
10. Salt
11. Alcoholic drinks
12. The bride price (called OWO ORI)
13. Dried fish (called EJA OSAN, 42 pieces)
14. 1 dish of peppered corn meal (adun)
15. 4 crates of canned or bottled soft drinks
16. 4 crates of malt non alcoholic drink
17. 2 bottles of non alcoholic wine
18. 2 cartons of fruit juice
19. 1 bag of rice
20. 1 umbrella
21. 1 big suitcase that contains shoes and matching bags, different types of fabric ranging from Ankara to lace, including gele and aso oke for the bride.
22. 1 complete jewelry set with wrist watch, earrings and neck chains
23. Engagement ring
24. Bible or Quran
The bride price is not fixed and it's usually returned to the couple on the day of the wedding in the presence of everyone.
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