Traditional weddings in Nigeria are always colourful regardless of the tribe or ethnicity. The event features beautiful attires, mouth-watering dishes, cultural songs & dances and astonishing accessories including wedding umbrella to show the diversity and richness of the Nigerian culture and style.
In today’s post, we are going to highlight two reasons why Ibom brides usually arrive, dancing out with an umbrella during the traditional wedding ceremony.
Why Do Ibom Brides Carry An Umbrella??
Well, the true reason why Akwa Ibom brides carries an umbrella isn’t documented but we know that umbrellas give shade and some covering during sun or rain. The fact that the umbrella gives protection makes it symbolic in the arrival of the bride.
The bride should be well covered and protected before meeting her groom and in-laws. Another reason why Akwa Ibom brides carries an umbrella is the style. Ibom brides add a lot of spice to their appearance with the beautifully crafted umbrellas, giving them a more regal welcome.
The umbrella often comes in the same colours or matching colours to the bride’s outfit or the colour of the ceremony.
Here are some of our brides arriving with their umbrellas:
For Akwa Ibom traditional weddings, it is customary for the bride to carry a decorative umbrella, a cultural symbol of protection, royalty, and distinction. The practice has also become a fashion statement, enhancing the bride’s regal appearance.
Significance of the umbrella
- Protection and covering: In a symbolic sense, the umbrella represents a protective covering for the bride as she prepares to meet her groom and his family.
- A sign of royalty: The umbrella adds a touch of elegance and regality, befitting the bride’s status as the day’s “queen”.
- A cultural identifier: While the exact origins are not formally documented, the umbrella is now a distinct accessory that showcases the rich culture of the Akwa Ibom people, which includes the Ibibio, Annang, and Oron tribes.
Visuals and accessories
The umbrella is one of several accessories that complete the Akwa Ibom traditional bridal look:
- Bridal attire: The bride typically wears a blouse and a double wrapper, or ndot iba, often made of elegant George or velvet fabric. The look can range from traditionally weighty wrappers to more modern, gown-like variations.
- Embellishments: The umbrella itself is often beautifully crafted and decorated. Other accessories include beads, a hand fan, and a purse.
- Headgear: A skillfully tied headscarf (gele or ofong ibuod) or other ornate headpiece complements the attire.
How to find pictures of Ibom brides with umbrellas
You can find images of Akwa Ibom brides and their umbrellas on various online platforms, often in the context of traditional
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