Ewe traditional marriage
GHANAIAN TRADITIONAL ENGAGEMENT AMONG THE EWES
By Eli Newmann (DCS20437)
Marriage is regarded a solemn institution for all people over the world regardless of religious and
cultural practices. The Bible and Quran are typical Books that deem marriage sacred and demands all
necessary reverence. The Bible for the Christians states it's position on marriage:
Genesis 2:20-25
And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for
Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs,
and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the
man.
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be
one flesh.
And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Quran 24:32
You shall encourage those of you who are single to get married. They may marry the righteous among
your male and female servants, if they are poor. GOD will enrich them from His grace. GOD is
Bounteous, Knower.
Cultural or traditional marriages among the EWE tribe in Ghana.
Marriage is the legally or formally recognized union of two people recognized in the sacred books as
partners in a personal relationship.
As for how our culture presents itself, that's the same way marriage and its actions differ from one
culture to the next. In some tribes, traditional marriages might not be the custom to go through, but to
others, it serves as an important practice which if not performed would mean that the parties in
question are not married.
There are certain procedures one must go through before getting married particularly among the Ewe
tribe.
In Ghana, traditional marriage engagement among the Ewes are observed by getting the couple to
understand that both have some obligations to perform and among these are procedures which come
with the traditional engagement list presentation. The list is the prerequisite items required by the
bride's family from the groom-to-be and it differs depending on the particular tribe and family from
which the lady comes from.
Marrying from an ewe family, the man has to pay for the bride price and this usually comes with a list.
This list is commonly made up of, but not limited to the following:
Knocking (vɔƒoƒo)
Schnapps 2 Bottles (Foreign One)
Gin 1 Bottle
Soft drinks 1 crate
Cash GH ¢100
Ghana traditional Marriage List among ewes
Engagement Ring and Holy Bible
6 Half pieces of Cloth (Real Wax)
6 pieces of Head Gear (Scarf)
2 Pair of Sandals and 2 Pair of Shoes (with Bag each)
Ecolac bag (Big One)
2 sets of jewelry and wrist watches
12 underwear
6 night wears
6 Brassiere
Lady waist beads and 1 traditional pant(Very Important)
1 Catholic hymnal
GH¢ 600
Drinks
2 Bottles of schnapps (Foreign One)
1 Bottle of Dry Gin
1 Bottle of Dubonette
1 Bottle of whisky
1 Bottle of Akpeteshie
1 Pot of Palm wine or GH¢ 30
2 Cartons of Beer
2 Crates of Soft drinks
2 Crates of Malt
IN-LAWS
Father In-Law GH¢ 250
Mother-In-Law GH¢250
Brother-In-Laws GH¢100
Half a piece of Cloth (Real Wax) for Mother-In-Law (with Head Gear and Sandals)
1 Full Piece of Cloth (Real Wax) for Father-In-Law (with 1 Sandals)
Family GH¢100
Thank You GH¢ 50
Thanksgiving - This can be in the form of a sum of money or a crate of drinks given to the bride’s family
members who are present at the ceremony. This is to thank them for coming to the ceremony and
agreeing for their daughter to be given away. This list can vary from family to family, not all families
request for all these items.
Traditional marriage under the law is a complete marriage ceremony, this is so because marriage goes
through the legal process which is through the court also known as the customary marriage in Ghana.
There are three types of marriages in Ghana namely; the traditional marriage, the customary marriage,
and church marriage. After the traditional marriage, the church marriage follows after which the
customary marriage is done. This happens when the couple want all three forms of marriages.
The traditional marriage of Ghanaian is backed by law and traditions. Now, let's look at the procedures
one goes through before getting engaged among the ewes.
Among the ewes, the first process is the KNOCKING which is done to make formal, the relationship
between the to-be groom and bride. This is known in the Ewe language as ‘vɔƒoƒo’ . Here, the family of
the to-be groom goes to the to-be bride’s parents to ask formally for her hand in marriage. The items
listed under the knocking list are used to perform this rite.
Among the Ewes, when a man is ready to marry, he must present a pot of palm wine to the girl’s father
and this must be done by the man’s paternal and maternal aunts in order to inform the girl’s parents of
their intentions to marry their daughter. After this, the messengers from the to-be groom are asked to
come after a week or two for the answer. This period allows them time to consider the request and to
make underground investigations about the man and his family. After the investigation is over and the
girl’s parents are satisfied with the man’s conduct and background, they allow them to perform the
necessary marriage rites.
For this, two bottles of locally brewed gin are offered to the bride's family by the to-be groom in
appreciation which is known as ‘vɔlenu’ or the knocking fee. ‘Vɔ means door and lenu means a token
for holding down the door of the bride.
As soon as the people of the groom- to-be people learn of the acceptance of their request, preparations
fully start by gathering the marriage payments that is the ‘Srɔnu’ and when it is ready, the groom’s
paternal and maternal aunts carry it to the bride’s parents for inspection. In a case of insufficiency, the
gifts are rejected by the bride's family.
After this process is done, the marriage is now concluded by giving the marriage payment and a
performing of certain ceremonies which is also viewed to be important for the establishment of a legal
union of which the bride is formally handed to the groom’s parents. Another important thing is the
consummation of the marriage, known as the ‘ɖoɖoabadzi’.
Now the final process that is the formal handing over of the bride to the groom which is a short
ceremony where both parents give a short advice and encouragement to the couple is followed by the
affirmation by both the bride and groom of their readiness to marry. This stage takes place in the bride’s
father's house. Before the bride joins her husband, a short prayer is said to the ancestors asking for their
blessings for the couple. After the prayer, the bride is taken away by the husband’s aunts accompanied
by her own aunts.
On her arrival, she is warmly received by the bridegroom's father. Here, the couple is advised again to
live peacefully. After this, the family head pours libation, asking for a successful marriage. On the day of
the ceremony, the man is expected to bring along some peas locally called "Cantonese”
Ghana engagement dresses
Dressed are not merely about covering up the body, now clothes are worn to speak the mood of the
occasion. In Ghana and all over the world, engagement wears have become a thing. Other than dressing
for the occasion, different people have taken upon themselves to wear these clothes to test out their
different creativity levels. When it comes to Ghana engagement dress styles.
African print
When it comes to engagement dress styles in Ghana, the first item on your list should be the African
print. The African print has become a major fashion wear in Ghana that it is almost next to impossible to
find any Ghanaian fashion picture that lacks this cloth design. Two distinctive features that make the
African print design stand out in Ghana and more so in the wedding industry the bold colours it comes
with and the complex prints it has. When choosing the African print dress for your engagement event, it
is always advisable that you go for a dress with a unique and seamless pattern which has colors that
complement the clothing.
Kaba dress
Again, when it comes to Ghanaian engagement dresses, your list won’t be complete if it does not
contain the Kaba dress design in it. Classy is an understatement when it comes to describing this elegant
dress design. Depending on your preferences, there are some many fun dress design options to try out
with the Kaba design. The other big win with this design is that you are able to match this engagement
dress and hairstyle to your different jewelries thus, making you stand out as the most elegant lady in
the room.
Ankara dress.
One thing you need to know with Ankara designs is that they never disappoint! From simple casual wear
designs to elegant and sophisticated designs such as those for engagements, you will never go wrong
with Ankara designs. Ghanaian engagement ceremonies are always full of color and glam. In order to
match up to these standards, you need to ensure that you yourself have the best outfit for the occasion.
Make your statement bold and clear with your outfit. In addition to this, you need also to choose one
that communicates the mood of the occasion. The above list from African print to Ankara dresses will
you communicate this effectively.
Conclusion
Marriage is a union between two people, which is backed by law and from the above, we can see how
the Ewes in the Volta Region perform their marriage rites and what they request for before giving out
their children in marriage.
By Eli Newmann (DCS20437)
Marriage is regarded a solemn institution for all people over the world regardless of religious and
cultural practices. The Bible and Quran are typical Books that deem marriage sacred and demands all
necessary reverence. The Bible for the Christians states it's position on marriage:
Genesis 2:20-25
And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for
Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs,
and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the
man.
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be
one flesh.
And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Quran 24:32
You shall encourage those of you who are single to get married. They may marry the righteous among
your male and female servants, if they are poor. GOD will enrich them from His grace. GOD is
Bounteous, Knower.
Cultural or traditional marriages among the EWE tribe in Ghana.
Marriage is the legally or formally recognized union of two people recognized in the sacred books as
partners in a personal relationship.
As for how our culture presents itself, that's the same way marriage and its actions differ from one
culture to the next. In some tribes, traditional marriages might not be the custom to go through, but to
others, it serves as an important practice which if not performed would mean that the parties in
question are not married.
There are certain procedures one must go through before getting married particularly among the Ewe
tribe.
In Ghana, traditional marriage engagement among the Ewes are observed by getting the couple to
understand that both have some obligations to perform and among these are procedures which come
with the traditional engagement list presentation. The list is the prerequisite items required by the
bride's family from the groom-to-be and it differs depending on the particular tribe and family from
which the lady comes from.
Marrying from an ewe family, the man has to pay for the bride price and this usually comes with a list.
This list is commonly made up of, but not limited to the following:
Knocking (vɔƒoƒo)
Schnapps 2 Bottles (Foreign One)
Gin 1 Bottle
Soft drinks 1 crate
Cash GH ¢100
Ghana traditional Marriage List among ewes
Engagement Ring and Holy Bible
6 Half pieces of Cloth (Real Wax)
6 pieces of Head Gear (Scarf)
2 Pair of Sandals and 2 Pair of Shoes (with Bag each)
Ecolac bag (Big One)
2 sets of jewelry and wrist watches
12 underwear
6 night wears
6 Brassiere
Lady waist beads and 1 traditional pant(Very Important)
1 Catholic hymnal
GH¢ 600
Drinks
2 Bottles of schnapps (Foreign One)
1 Bottle of Dry Gin
1 Bottle of Dubonette
1 Bottle of whisky
1 Bottle of Akpeteshie
1 Pot of Palm wine or GH¢ 30
2 Cartons of Beer
2 Crates of Soft drinks
2 Crates of Malt
IN-LAWS
Father In-Law GH¢ 250
Mother-In-Law GH¢250
Brother-In-Laws GH¢100
Half a piece of Cloth (Real Wax) for Mother-In-Law (with Head Gear and Sandals)
1 Full Piece of Cloth (Real Wax) for Father-In-Law (with 1 Sandals)
Family GH¢100
Thank You GH¢ 50
Thanksgiving - This can be in the form of a sum of money or a crate of drinks given to the bride’s family
members who are present at the ceremony. This is to thank them for coming to the ceremony and
agreeing for their daughter to be given away. This list can vary from family to family, not all families
request for all these items.
Traditional marriage under the law is a complete marriage ceremony, this is so because marriage goes
through the legal process which is through the court also known as the customary marriage in Ghana.
There are three types of marriages in Ghana namely; the traditional marriage, the customary marriage,
and church marriage. After the traditional marriage, the church marriage follows after which the
customary marriage is done. This happens when the couple want all three forms of marriages.
The traditional marriage of Ghanaian is backed by law and traditions. Now, let's look at the procedures
one goes through before getting engaged among the ewes.
Among the ewes, the first process is the KNOCKING which is done to make formal, the relationship
between the to-be groom and bride. This is known in the Ewe language as ‘vɔƒoƒo’ . Here, the family of
the to-be groom goes to the to-be bride’s parents to ask formally for her hand in marriage. The items
listed under the knocking list are used to perform this rite.
Among the Ewes, when a man is ready to marry, he must present a pot of palm wine to the girl’s father
and this must be done by the man’s paternal and maternal aunts in order to inform the girl’s parents of
their intentions to marry their daughter. After this, the messengers from the to-be groom are asked to
come after a week or two for the answer. This period allows them time to consider the request and to
make underground investigations about the man and his family. After the investigation is over and the
girl’s parents are satisfied with the man’s conduct and background, they allow them to perform the
necessary marriage rites.
For this, two bottles of locally brewed gin are offered to the bride's family by the to-be groom in
appreciation which is known as ‘vɔlenu’ or the knocking fee. ‘Vɔ means door and lenu means a token
for holding down the door of the bride.
As soon as the people of the groom- to-be people learn of the acceptance of their request, preparations
fully start by gathering the marriage payments that is the ‘Srɔnu’ and when it is ready, the groom’s
paternal and maternal aunts carry it to the bride’s parents for inspection. In a case of insufficiency, the
gifts are rejected by the bride's family.
After this process is done, the marriage is now concluded by giving the marriage payment and a
performing of certain ceremonies which is also viewed to be important for the establishment of a legal
union of which the bride is formally handed to the groom’s parents. Another important thing is the
consummation of the marriage, known as the ‘ɖoɖoabadzi’.
Now the final process that is the formal handing over of the bride to the groom which is a short
ceremony where both parents give a short advice and encouragement to the couple is followed by the
affirmation by both the bride and groom of their readiness to marry. This stage takes place in the bride’s
father's house. Before the bride joins her husband, a short prayer is said to the ancestors asking for their
blessings for the couple. After the prayer, the bride is taken away by the husband’s aunts accompanied
by her own aunts.
On her arrival, she is warmly received by the bridegroom's father. Here, the couple is advised again to
live peacefully. After this, the family head pours libation, asking for a successful marriage. On the day of
the ceremony, the man is expected to bring along some peas locally called "Cantonese”
Ghana engagement dresses
Dressed are not merely about covering up the body, now clothes are worn to speak the mood of the
occasion. In Ghana and all over the world, engagement wears have become a thing. Other than dressing
for the occasion, different people have taken upon themselves to wear these clothes to test out their
different creativity levels. When it comes to Ghana engagement dress styles.
African print
When it comes to engagement dress styles in Ghana, the first item on your list should be the African
print. The African print has become a major fashion wear in Ghana that it is almost next to impossible to
find any Ghanaian fashion picture that lacks this cloth design. Two distinctive features that make the
African print design stand out in Ghana and more so in the wedding industry the bold colours it comes
with and the complex prints it has. When choosing the African print dress for your engagement event, it
is always advisable that you go for a dress with a unique and seamless pattern which has colors that
complement the clothing.
Kaba dress
Again, when it comes to Ghanaian engagement dresses, your list won’t be complete if it does not
contain the Kaba dress design in it. Classy is an understatement when it comes to describing this elegant
dress design. Depending on your preferences, there are some many fun dress design options to try out
with the Kaba design. The other big win with this design is that you are able to match this engagement
dress and hairstyle to your different jewelries thus, making you stand out as the most elegant lady in
the room.
Ankara dress.
One thing you need to know with Ankara designs is that they never disappoint! From simple casual wear
designs to elegant and sophisticated designs such as those for engagements, you will never go wrong
with Ankara designs. Ghanaian engagement ceremonies are always full of color and glam. In order to
match up to these standards, you need to ensure that you yourself have the best outfit for the occasion.
Make your statement bold and clear with your outfit. In addition to this, you need also to choose one
that communicates the mood of the occasion. The above list from African print to Ankara dresses will
you communicate this effectively.
Conclusion
Marriage is a union between two people, which is backed by law and from the above, we can see how
the Ewes in the Volta Region perform their marriage rites and what they request for before giving out
their children in marriage.
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