African wedding

Author: POSTOVANU ADINA

 In some West African cultures, libation ceremonies are a happy way to
honor and include the couple’s ancestors. Typically, alcohol (which is
thought to connect the living world with the spiritual) is poured onto the
ground in each of the cardinal directions
In a ritual adapted from a Yoruba tradition, the bride and groom taste four
flavors that represent different emotions within a relationship. The four
flavors typically used are sour, bitter, hot and sweet. Each flavor represents
the highs and lows that come with marriage -- ending in sweetness.
 In some West African cultures, kola nuts
are thought to have healing properties,
as well as to be a symbol of hospitality
and welcome. In Nigeria, kola nuts are
broken and shared among the couple
and their parents during a welcoming
ceremony. In Senegal, if the bride’s
family accepts the groom’s proposal,
they share kola nuts sent from the groom
with friends and neighbors.
 Money dances are popular wedding customs in a number of
different countries, from Poland to the Philippines. In Nigeria,
especially among Yoruba and Igbo cultures, the tradition of
tossing money at the bride is called the “money spray” and is a
celebrated part of the wedding ceremony. Typically, guests put
bills on the bride’s head or shower her with money while she
dances. Sometimes there’s so much money tossed to the bride and
groom that a family member has to help the couple collect it all.
The money is a gift from guests to help the couple start their new
life together.
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