Arochukwu traditional marriage is one of the major tools that has preserved the rich inherited culture of the people of Arochukwu kingdom and has helped in the promotion of cultural tourism in the eastern part of Nigeria.
To understand who we are as individuals, we must understand the characteristics that make up a nation, which is their culture, values, norms, attire, and unique characteristics. We must understand the role of identity in creating one’s self-esteem, sense of pride, and nation-building, that’s the role traditional festivals play.
Arochukwu marriage remains one of the Igbo marriages that has maintained its marital rites and procedure dating back,the bride price is twenty-five naira (25) as it has always been in the old.
Arochukwu marriage is one in which the parents of the bride and groom, extended family members, and villagers play an active role.
Arochukwu marriage dates are also picked according to the (4) Igbo market days Eke, Orie, Afor, Nkwo, however, the NKWO market day is strictly excluded for marriage.
Before the Arochukwu traditional marriage rite can take place, there are certain prerequisites that the couple must reach, which include:
Ikutu aka (knocking on the door by the groom’s family)
Ihe Avuru na ‘ulo’ (formal introduction indicating you have found a bride in the family)
Nmayi Ajuju(bringing wine and questioner)
Nmayi Ububo(presentation of drinks and private discussions between the two families)
Ihu Onu Aku (ceremony for open negotiation of the bride price)
Ibu Mmayi Ukwu (celebration for payment of the bride price)
Itu Aju Nmayi (dropping the wine pads as completion of marriage rites/acceptance)
The Aro bride is called Nwa Mgbede, and on the ceremonial day she appears magnificent and royal in her ‘ Omu Aro ‘attire , while been escorted by her Odu Mgbede.
All these are what makes Arochukwu Marriage exceptional, rich and stand as one of the historical marriage in Nigeria.
Culture is the focus on which tourism strives, through cultural display in form of traditional songs, music and dance performances, traditional cuisine, heritage sites, cultural markets, arts and crafts etc and all these are not left out during the Aro tradition marriage.
Traditional marriage in Arochukwu kingdom is not yet understood or viewed as a tourism attraction, hence it’s potentials remain unexploited by the domestic and international tourist market.
Traditional marriage is a tourism potential that when fully recognized by an ethnic group or a community will be made known to the outside world and it will entice tourist influx from within and outside the country.
We must consciously promote tourism in Arochukwu kingdom with our cultural values, festivals, ceremonies, arts and craft, music, drama, dance, costumes, tours , hospitality, religion, associations, food and language.
We need to identify the important factor that distinguish us from other ethnic groups, or those features that make us similar to other groups.
It is hoped that traditional marriage, family values and ethnic identity will not only be promoted, but that people will be made aware of the importance of families in nation building. We must not cease to encourage our own citizens to embrace intra-cultural tourism within Nigeria, as it contributes to national development. To be continued.
– Amb. Chioma Anyiwo
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