Marriage is a sacred institution among the Ewe people, a vibrant ethnic group primarily located in Ghana along the southern parts of Togo and Benin. As lovers of tradition and cultural, Ewe marriages are not just unions between individuals but also an event that unite families and communities. The Traditional Marriage List is one of the hallmark traditions of Ewe marriages and Ghanaian marriages as a whole.
A traditional marriage list is a curated list of items that a groom and his family presents to the bride and her family on the traditional wedding ceremony day. People often see these items as an expression of gratitude to the bride’s family.
Marriage Ceremony Among Ewes.
Among the Ewes, when a man wants to marry a lady, he sends palm wine to her father. The first presentation of the palm wine is the knocking ceremony known in Ewe as “Vofofo”. After the presentation, the man’s family allows the lady’s family some time to make inquiries about him and his family. Once the necessary background checks are completed, the man’s family is given the marriage the go-ahead. They, in turn, send another palm wine called “Akpedaha” to thank the lady’s family. In modern times, people often replace palm wine with schnapps and gins. They take the traditional marriage list and set a date to witness the joining together of the two families in holy matrimony. Read a full story on Anlo Traditional Marriage here.
Example of an Ewe Traditional Marriage List.
Although the list itself is not rigidly fixed, people often consider some items on the engagement list essential. The items on the Ewe traditional marriage list may vary depending on the bride’s family. Additionally, the bride’s family may adjust the number of items listed according to their preferences and family customs. It’s worth noting that the bride typically doesn’t have a say in determining the contents of the list. Her family members draft it, but negotiations can also occur with the family for a reduction or an increment, LOL.
PART (1) KNOCKING AT DOOR
- GHS50.00 with 2 bottles of foreign castle bridge
PART (2) GIVING INFORMATION TO PARENTS
- GHS50.00 with 2 bottles of foreign castle bridge
- Four (4) bottles of foreign schnapps in cash
- Four (4) bottles of akpeteshi or any other alcoholic drink
- GHS300 to both parents,GHS150.00 each
PART (3) CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE RITE
- Ring and Bible for bride
- One madam bag and one handbag
- Four (4) pieces of cloth – GTP
- Two (2) pieces of ladies sandals – black and white
- Three (3) pieces of headscarves
- Twelve (12) ladies pants
- GHS2000 to both paternal and maternal families – GHS1000 each
- One (1) crate of coke
- One (1) crate of Fanta
- One (1) crate of Beer – cash
- One (1) crate of Guinness – cash
- Four (4) bottles of Akpeteshi
- Four (4) bottles of foreign Schnapp- cash
- One half piece of cloth for mother in law with sandals
- One full piece of cloth for father in law with sandals
- GHS300 to both brothers and sister in laws
HELPFUL GUIDES TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING.
- 41 Wedding Engagement Kente Styles For The Modern Bride.
- Ombre Kente(2024): Bridal Styles That Are Beyond Beautiful
- Jumpsuit Civil Wedding Dress Styles for African Brides
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