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Showing posts from October, 2007

Fulani Marriages vs. Igbo Marriages

Fulani Marriages vs. Igbo Marriages Marriage is an interpersonal relationship between a man and a woman. It is often referred to as a contract between couples. Marriage unites a man and a woman as husband and wife. After a couple agrees to get married it is often declared by a marriage ceremony. All over the world couples engage in marriage ceremonies. However, the way it is celebrated varies with geographical location, culture and ethnic groups. In my recent study of Yola Fulani traditional marriages and Enugu Igbo traditional marriages, I have concluded that Fulani societies have less respect for their women’s wishes than Igbo societies. In the two types of marriages a prospective husband and his kinsmen visits the girl’s family to declare their intentions to her parents. It is like asking for their blessing, or permission. If the girl’s parents approve the proposal, then the man goes ahead with marriage ceremony arrangements assuming the girl also concurs. In Fulani cultur