The Yoruba engagement list is the list of items a groom’s family presents to the bride’s family during the traditional marriage ceremony, known as Ìdána or the engagement. Lists differ between families, towns and religions, so this guide is a general introduction. The bride’s family will give you their official list, and that list always takes priority.
What Is the Yoruba Engagement?
The engagement is the stage where the two families formally meet, and the groom asks for the bride’s hand. It is full of ritual, humour and music. Read the overall story in our Yoruba traditional wedding guide.
Common Items on a Yoruba Engagement List
- Holy book: a Bible or Quran, depending on the family’s faith.
- Foodstuff: tubers of yam, kola nut, bitter kola (orogbo), honey, salt, sugar, palm oil, alligator pepper (atare), fish, and other items named on the list.
- Drinks: a set of drinks for the elders.
- Gift box and clothing: a suitcase or box with clothes, shoes, a bag, jewellery and fabrics for the bride and her family.
- Gifts for the parents: separate gifts for the bride’s father and mother.
- Bride price: a symbolic cash payment (owó orí ìyàwó), traditionally a token that honours the family.
The Meaning Behind the Items
Many items carry symbolic meaning: honey stands for sweetness, salt for lasting flavour, and kola nut and bitter kola for long life and blessing. These meanings are also part of the sayings in Yoruba proverbs.
Who Does What?
- The two families: each has its elders and representatives.
- Alága ìjókòó and alága ìdúró: the two masters of ceremony, one seated with the bride’s side and one standing with the groom’s side, who lead the humour and the presentation of items.
- The couple: the groom usually prostrates to greet the bride’s elders, and the bride is brought out after her family is satisfied.
Step-by-Step Order of the Day
- The groom’s family arrives and is welcomed.
- Greetings and introductions between both families.
- The letter of intent is read, and the list is presented.
- The bride’s family inspects the items and offers prayers.
- The bride is presented, and the couple greets both families.
- The families share food, music and dance.
Tips for Families
- Ask the bride’s family for their written list early.
- Choose matching outfits; read aso ebi explained and Yoruba traditional attire.
- Learn the greetings from our Yoruba greetings guide.
For more on the values behind the ceremony, see Yoruba culture, and for general background, see Wikipedia.
Yoruba Engagement FAQs
What is on a Yoruba engagement list?
Typically a holy book, foodstuff such as yam and kola nut, drinks, gifts, clothes and a bride price, but each family sets its own list.
What is the Yoruba word for engagement?
The traditional engagement is called Ìdána.
Who writes the engagement list?
The bride’s family provides the list for the groom’s family.
