Social:Iria marriage
Iria marriage is a festival celebrated by the Ijaw ethnic group in Rivers State, Nigeria.[1] It is a significant cultural event that marks the transition of a girl into womanhood within the Ijaw community. The festival is primarily observed in the Ibani Kingdom, located in the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.[2]
The Iria marriage ceremony is considered a rite of passage for young girls as they reach puberty and begin to mature physically. Prior to this stage, a girl child runs naked around the neighborhood, but once she reaches the age of puberty, her parents acquire a wrapper for her. The presentation of this wrapper to the girl marks a special day and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.[3][4]
The festival consists of three stages, each corresponding to different age groups:[5]
- Kala-Egerebite: The Kala-Egerebite stage is designated for girls aged between 12 and 15. On the day of the ceremony, the girls wear a single wrapper known as SUU on their chest, along with light beads as adornments.
- Opu-Egerebite: This stage is meant for young ladies aged between 18 and 21, as well as those slightly older. During the Opu-Egerebite ceremony, the young women tie a waist wrapper called Ikaki, along with popo and damask fabrics, paired with matching blouses.
- Bibite: The Bibite stage is reserved for women aged 40 and above. In this stage, the women wear traditional garments such as the intorica George wrapper and the lili-inji wrapper. The Bibite stage holds the highest level of honor and respect within the Iria marriage ceremony in Bonny, and it receives special attention and reverence.
References
- ↑ "Iria Festival: Excitement in Rivers community as maidens are set to dance half-naked" (in en-US). 2018-11-03. https://punchng.com/iria-festival-excitement-in-rivers-community-as-maidens-are-set-to-dance-half-naked/.
- ↑ "IRIA CEREMONY: GLORIFICATION OF IBANI WOMANHOOD" (in en-US). 2022-12-11. https://kristinareports.net/iria-ceremony-glorification-of-ibani-womanhood/.
- ↑ "Di colourful Iria ritual into womanhood for dis ancient Nigerian tribe". 2022-01-15. https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/world-59998905.
- ↑ punchng (2018-11-03). "Iria Festival: Excitement in Rivers community as maidens are set to dance half-naked" (in en-US). https://punchng.com/iria-festival-excitement-in-rivers-community-as-maidens-are-set-to-dance-half-naked/.
- ↑ "IRIA CEREMONY: GLORIFICATION OF IBANI WOMANHOOD" (in en-US). 2022-12-11. https://kristinareports.net/iria-ceremony-glorification-of-ibani-womanhood/.
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