What is a typical wedding in Ghana like? Unlocking the splendor of rituals you can expect at a Ghanaian traditional wedding.
Like many other African nations, Ghana is full of vibrant customs and rich culture that form the backbone of its dynamic society. This nation, which is the second most populous country in West Africa, is rich in traditions that reflect its diverse ethnic groups and historical narratives; from the vibrant hues of kente cloth to the rhythmic beats of traditional drums, Ghana’s cultural heritage is a source of pride and unification. These traditions come to life during celebrations, especially weddings, creating an immersive experience that seamlessly blends the old and the new.
The layers of traditional practices have molded the matrimonial terrain. Every custom, be it the symbolic knocking ceremony or the exuberant fufu mashing, functions as a strand within the intricate fabric of Ghanaian culture. These customs not only add to the distinct allure of Ghanaian weddings but also provide an insight into the wider cultural terrain that has endured the test of time.
In this article, JanaTribe will delve into the enchanting world of Ghanaian wedding traditions. You’ll find out that beyond the rituals, each gesture and symbol carries the weight of centuries, highlighting the resilience and continuity of a culture that celebrates love, unity, and the enduring spirit of its people.
A Brief History of Ghanaian Wedding Traditions
Ghana boasts a diverse population, a wealth of languages, and unique customs, but despite this, weddings have mostly remained traditional throughout history, albeit with some modern touches added in more recent times. Ghanaian traditional weddings are incredibly exciting occasions, as wedding customs are unique to each culture.
The origins of Ghana’s wedding customs are unknown, but over time, the country has preserved and modernized them.
Traditionally, marriages in Ghana were arranged by the parents of the couple, who would select a suitable partner based on their family background, financial stability, and social status. However, in modern times, many Ghanaians choose to marry for love, and the decision is often made by the couple themselves.
Today’s men typically propose marriage after two or three dates because, in their eyes, any longer would be “taking advantage of the friendship.” Once the couple becomes engaged, the customary pre-wedding events—ceremonies and gifts—begin.
Ghanaian Pre-wedding Customs: A Prelude to Union
Ghanaian weddings are not just about the day of the ceremony; they involve a series of pre-wedding customs that lay the foundation for the union.
One of the many customs is the “Knocking Ceremony,” locally known as the “Kokooko,” or the “Opon-akyi bo.” What this means is that, here, the groom accompanied by his family “knocks on the door” or approaches the bride’s family to formally inform them of their son’s wish to marry their daughter. It serves as an introduction between families.
Before this entire custom, the bride might have had a casual conversation with her parents about her future spouse. Some women regularly bring their partners home, establishing a familiarity between them and their parents. Some men regularly give their prospective in-laws a call to greet them well and inquire about their health.
The “Bride Price” negotiation follows, where the families come together to discuss and agree upon the amount to be paid by the groom’s family.
This ceremony involves the presentation of gifts and a symbolic knock on the door, signifying the intention to marry. The “engagement” list or the dowry includes gifts like clothes for the bride, jewelry, money, or other items for the bride’s parents.
This negotiation is a symbolic gesture, emphasizing the mutual respect and commitment between the two families.
Historically, according to tradition, the bride and her family will pay for the wedding and reception while the groom and his family cover the rehearsal dinner.
The bride’s brothers are also given money, called Akonta Sekan, for protecting their sister.
Before the groom and his family leave the bride’s family, they settle on a day for the traditional wedding as well as the white or church ceremony.
Ghanaian Wedding Attire: The Kente Cloth: Symbol of Cultural Identity
The traditional wedding is the second tradition that follows after the introduction phase. During this time, the couple will dress in clothes that make them feel like royalty on their big day.
A Ghanaian wedding is incomplete without the resplendent display of traditional African fashion called kente cloth, made of handwoven silk and cotton. For the occasion, it is often brightly colored and patterned or embroidered, along with gold jewelry to accent the attire. The kente holds deep cultural significance.
During the ceremony, the couple often wears matching or complementary kente attire, symbolizing unity and shared heritage. Each color and pattern on the kente conveys a specific message, making it a visual representation of the couple’s journey.
The bride may fashion her kente as a gown or into two separate pieces, a top, and skirt, while the groom may wear his as a toga or wide-flowing rove called an Agbada. The bride also wears a traditional headdress that resembles a crown, called a tekua. Colors hold symbolic meaning for couples. For example, gold means wealth or royalty, pink means calmness, and tenderness, blue represents the sky and means love, harmony, and good peace, and maroon means protection from evil.
Guest Wedding Attire
Anything formal is appropriate for guests attending a Ghanaian traditional wedding. You can wear kente cloth in colors that symbolize good tidings for the couple, or you can just wear something colorful and intricately designed that will go perfectly with the theme. If you are not sure what to wear, ask someone at the wedding party or any of the wedding planners.
Ghanaian Wedding Ceremony Traditions
Per TheKnot, the marriage ceremony usually takes place at the bride’s home or any other suitable venue. Before the ceremony, music from traditional “adowa” groups or a live band will be played. For the ceremony itself, members of both families will sit across from each other, and spokespersons assigned to each party will engage in friendly chitchat. The bride’s family will be seated to welcome the groom and his family, who come in bearing the items on the marriage list or “aye-yo-dee” gifts. A long line of family members come with gifts in their hands or on their heads.
One symbolic aspect of Ghana weddings is the bride giving her consent three times when asked for her hand in marriage. This is to demonstrate that she’s not been forced into the marriage, and though this dates back many years, modern weddings still participate. The bride is then presented to the groom’s family after her acceptance.
As part of the ceremony, the groom will provide drinks to the father, such as palm wine or Schnapps. This is called Tiri Nasa, and in Ghanaian culture, this usually seals the marriage.
Libation Pouring Ceremony: Honoring Ancestors and Seeking Blessings
A libation ceremony, led by a designated elder or spiritual leader, occurs before the main wedding ceremony. It entails the pouring of a symbolic offering, typically water or alcohol, onto the ground while prayers are recited and ancestor names are invoked. The purpose of the libation ceremony is to seek the blessings of the departed and the ancestors, emphasizing the importance of heritage and familial connections in the couple’s journey.
The Exchange of Vows and Rings: Pledges of Forever
The exchange of vows and rings is a universal symbol of commitment and love, and the wedding ceremony itself is a fusion of modern and traditional elements. In Ghanaian weddings, however, the officiant often incorporates traditional elements, invoking prayers for a prosperous union and cultural blessings.
Fufu Mashing: Culinary Symbolism
A feast is an essential component of any Ghanaian wedding, and one culinary tradition that stands out is fufu mashing, in which the newlyweds take turns mashing fufu, a traditional Ghanaian dish made from cassava and plantains, with the assistance of family members. This gesture represents collaboration and teamwork, two qualities that are essential to a happy marriage.
This tradition, however, is fading but is best practiced within a few tribes in Ghana.
The Jumping of the Broom: Crossing the Threshold
Just like the fufu-mashing tradition, the jumping of the broom is also practiced by a few Ghanaian tribes.
During the ceremony, the couple jumps over a broom in a symbolic gesture that symbolizes the beginning of a new life together. This tradition, which originated in African American weddings, has been adopted by Ghanaians as a way to show the couple’s resolve to overcome obstacles together.
The Drumming and Dancing: Rhythms of Celebration
C’mon! What is a Ghanaian wedding without any form of music and dancing?
Wedding ceremonies in Ghana are known for their colorful music and dancing. The lively dances, including the Adowa, Kete, Bamaya, Bima, Boborbor, Kpalongo, Agbedza, Patsa, Homowo, Gome, Apatampa, and the like, showcase Ghana’s diverse cultural heritage.
The lively music is set by traditional drummers. Guests dance joyfully, fostering a sense of celebration and togetherness.
Ghanaian Wedding Reception Traditions
The bride and groom will go around greeting and thanking each of their guests for attending, and personalized wedding favors like chocolates, mugs, or pens are given out.
Following the ceremony, there will be a reception or an after-party. Back in the day, our fathers called it the “refreshment.” This is a tradition full of entertainment.
Here, the couple and their bridesmaid and groomsmen make a joyous entrance into the venue where some of the country’s biggest songs are played.
The couple’s parents are called on stage to dance with their children and they are joined by the guests, friends, and families.
Also, this is the place where gift cards are shared for anyone who wants to give the couple presents, be it money or anything in kind.
Also, the couple cut their wedding cake and give speeches; mostly, telling how they met, thankful messages, and gratitude to anyone who helped them make their ceremony a success.
Money Spraying: Showering Blessings
During a wedding reception, the groomsmen or other guests shower the couple with money, symbolizing well-wishes, prosperity, and the sharing of blessings. This joyful tradition, known as “money spraying” or “money raining,” typically occurs during the couple’s first dance.
This also helps to provide the newlyweds with funds for their new life.
This part of the tradition is the most fun, as it serves as a means of providing some fun and friendly competition for the guests.
Ghanaian Traditional Wedding Food, Drinks and Desserts
As part of the reception, is the eatery stage. This is when every activity of the marriage ceremony has culminated.
After the wedding ceremony, the wedding party and guests alike can feast on traditional Ghanaian food such as jollof rice, grilled fish, red bean, and fish stew with fried plantains, roast goat, and roast ripe plantains.
Traditionally, the meal will be served buffet-style, and the large spread is a big part of the wedding customs.
They also serve wedding cakes and popular Ghana desserts such as ripe plantain cakes and spiced doughnuts called bofrot.
Dignitaries who would not want to sit in the crowd to eat, like a King or Queen, are provided with takeaways.
Ghanaian Postwedding Traditions
A ritual known as the Nansiung-Iika, or “Closing of the Gate or Entrance,” is performed in some Ghanaian cultures, such as the Bulsa of Northern Ghana. This ritual is considered the most important because it is said to bind a man and woman together forever until death; it can be performed after the wedding but before a woman becomes pregnant. The items used in the ceremony can be a hen, cola, a hoe, or a sheep, and the ritual is considered complete when the woman’s paternal family accepts them.
Conclusion
Amidst the vivid colors, rhythmic beats, and symbolic gestures, a Ghanaian wedding unfolds as a living canvas, painting a narrative of love that transcends time and resonates with the heartbeat of a rich and diverse culture. Ghanaian weddings are not just ceremonies; they are celebrations of love, unity, and cultural pride. The traditions and rituals embedded in these ceremonies serve as a testament to the deeply ingrained values that bind families and communities together.
A recap of the steps in a typical Ghanaian wedding traditions and rituals are:
- Knocking Ceremony
- Bride Price Negotiation
- Kente Cloth Symbolism
- Libation Ceremony
- Exchange of Vows and Rings
- Fufu Mashing
- Money Spraying
- Jumping of the Broom
- Drumming and Dancing
- Culinary Customs
