The Efik Ethnic Group
The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southern Nigeria and western Cameroon; the Efik can be found in the present-day Cross River State and Akwa Ibom state.
The Efik speak the Efik language, a member of the Benue–Congo subfamily of the Niger-Congo language group. The Efik refer to themselves as Efik Eburutu, Ifa Ibom, Eburutu, and Iboku.
Source: Edna Francis
Efik, people inhabiting the lower Cross River in Cross River state, Nigeria. Their language is the main dialect and language of the Efik-Ibibio group of the Benue-Congo branch of Niger-Congo languages. It is widely spoken as a lingua franca throughout the Cross River region.
Efik Marriage Traditions and Customs
Efik is a tribe from Calabar, Cross River State, in Southern Nigeria, and weddings are a big deal among them. It is seen as a celebration of the entire community.
Efik weddings are not only occasions to join two lovebirds together in matrimony but also an opportunity to showcase their rich cultural heritage, traditions, and customs.
Marriage in Efik takes different stages and processes, which shall be a significant discourse focus in subsequent paragraphs.
The Marriage Proposal
Marriage proposal in Efik weddings is also known as the Mbup Ndo. “The couple’s parents usually undertake it because it is believed that marriage is a union of both families involved.
It begins with the groom’s family searching for a compatible bride for him to marry. Factors like her character and family background are paramount in consideration during this selection process.
After finding a suitable maiden for him, the groom is informed and advised not to turn her down because she meets the approval of his family.
On the other hand, if the man in question finds a girl of his choice first, he has to inform his parents immediately.
Once he does, they carry out a secret inquiry about her, her family, her character, and so on to ensure she is a suitable fit for their son. Once they are satisfied, they go ahead with the marriage plans.
Delay in Response
Another interesting fact about Efik weddings is that the bride’s family has yet to respond to the first letter sent by the man’s family. In most cases, they reply after the third letter is sent.
According to tradition, the reason for this is to determine the willingness of the latter to marry the girl.
It also gives them ample time to carry out secret investigations on the man, as earlier done by the man’s family. It shows that the woman isn’t cheap, and as such, her family quickly responds to their intention to marry.
The Old Fattening Room Tradition
Six months before their wedding, Efik maidens are secluded for training and sent into a separate room called the ‘Fattening Room. They are fed the best of meals and excessively pampered in this room.
They do this because it is believed in their tribe a woman who has a full figure with a healthy waistline is more desirable to be looked upon.
They are also massaged three times daily from head to toe, which is believed to make them more endowed.
The older married women also teach them about womanhood by exclusively informing them how to take care of their home, their husbands, and their children.
Also included in the training are the cultural dances (Ekombi), folklore, folktales, songs, and other forms of entertainment.
Skills in artistic designs on Calabash and other materials are taught as well. However, this tradition has been modernized due to the advancement of civilization.
Libation
Since the Efik people take their traditions very seriously, it only means that they honor those who laid down these traditions- their ancestors.
Before any marriage ceremony begins, their deities and ancestors are invited by pouring a drink on the floor. In doing this, they believe the dead are being fed because they think that the living is protected and
Distinct Wedding dressing
Efik brides are always outstanding and astonishing in their attires. They either wear the Ofong Ukod Anwang-a fancy attire which includes a knee-length skirt, blouse (that covers only the bust), and a fancy body made out of beads, or they wear the Onyonyo- a big long flowing gown.
They also adored their hands and legs with gears known as the Ekpa ku kwa, while adorning their necks with coral beads and holding a decorated staff. Efik grooms are included.
While they wear a white shirts, they tie beautifully patterned wrappers known as the Usobo to match. They then wear a beaded jacket, shoes, a hat, and the Okpomkpomon (a long piece of cloth) around their necks.
Response to Pregnant Brides
Another exciting thing about the Efik marriage traditions is that they frown heavily on premarital sex and pregnancy. A fine is imposed on the groom if a bride gets pregnant before the wedding.
This fine for premarital sex is usually a goat and some drinks. This fine is known as Ebot usong enyin’as it helps to check against fornication. However, this fine is only to be paid by the man and not the woman.
After the groom must have presented the required marriage items, the joyous traditional ceremony go on unabated, which usually coincides with the graduation ceremony of releasing the bride from the fattening room, taking place the whole day with friends and families celebrating the new union.
The newly married couple is usually accompanied home by traditional dancers to signify the occasion’s success.
