You’re about to step into a whole new world filled with love, family, and tradition. When a Yoruba wedding is approaching, you can sense it everywhere. As you prepare for this major milestone, one thing takes center stage: putting together the full and complete Yoruba bridal items list. It’s much more than a checklist. Think of it as a roadmap that honors your heritage and shows everyone the respect and abundance surrounding your union. Gathering the complete Yoruba Eru Iyawo list marks the true beginning of a rich cultural journey, where every single item tells part of the story of two families joining together.
As you’re the bride picturing your special day or a family member helping track down every item, checking things off the list feels like a small triumph each time. Each piece of fabric, every bunch of fruit added to the eru iyawo, represents the sweetness and prosperity you wish for in your marriage.
What Lies in the Eru Iyawo?
To truly understand why this tradition is meaningful, you need to know that “Eru Iyawo” means “the bride’s load,” or simply, “the bride’s gifts.” It’s a beautiful gathering of items, presented as part of the bride price to honor her family for raising such a wonderful woman. Typically, the Yoruba bridal items list appears during the close-knit Yoruba Introduction ceremony. The actual gifts, now that’s a spectacle, are given during the lively Yoruba Traditional Engagement, or Igbeyawo. The full Eru Iyawo is more than just items; it’s a symbol that the groom can provide for his new wife, and a cheerful celebration of the bond now connecting both families.
The Complete Eru Iyawo Checklist
Here is the direct breakdown of the essential items typically found on a complete Yoruba bridal list. Each item carries a specific blessing and is a mandatory part of the complete eru iyawo presentation. The quantity of each item or the selection of any item is dependent solely on the bride’s family. They also joke that the bride can pick anything but she usually picks the engagement Bible or Quran.
The Holy Bible or the Quran
This is almost always the first item on the Yoruba bridal list. It represents the spiritual foundation of the marriage. The groom’s family presents this to show that the union is built on faith and that the couple will be guided by divine principles as they step into their new life together. In recent times, when the bride is asked to pick the item she loves the most, she picks the religious book. This is one of the few items that belong to the wife from this list. For muslims, hijabs, prayer mats and prayer beads are also vital.
42 Large Tubers of Yam
Yams are a major highlight of the complete eru iyawo. These tubers must be large, healthy, and well-groomed, often decorated with colorful ribbons. They symbolize the fertility and the ability of the groom to provide a bountiful harvest for his new household.
42 Bitter Kola (Orogbo)
Bitter kola is a staple on the Yoruba bridal list because it symbolizes longevity. In Yoruba culture, it is believed that the Orogbo represents a long life lived in good health. By presenting these, the groom’s family prays that the couple will grow old together.
42 Kola Nuts (Obi Abata)
These are essential for the traditional prayers during the engagement. The four-lobed kola nuts are used to seek the favor of the ancestors and to ask for fruitfulness in the marriage. No complete Eru Iyawo is considered official without these symbolic nuts.
42 Alligator Peppers (Atare)
Alligator peppers are included in the complete Yoruba bridal list to represent the blessing of many children. Since each pod contains hundreds of tiny seeds, it is a traditional way of wishing the couple a home filled with the laughter and joy of a large family.
A Bottle of Honey
Honey is a non-negotiable part of the complete eru iyawo. It is a physical prayer that the marriage will be perpetually sweet and free from bitterness. During the ceremony, the bride and groom may even be given a taste to seal this promise of a happy life.
A Bag of Salt
Salt is the universal symbol of preservation and flavor. On the Yoruba bridal list, it represents the hope that the bride will be a “seasoning” to her husband’s life and that their love will never lose its spark or go stale over time.
A Bag of Granulated Sugar
Similar to honey, sugar is added to the complete eru iyawo to further emphasize the sweetness of the union. It signifies a life of luxury, comfort, and the absence of hardship as the couple navigates their journey together.
Bag of Rice
A staple in any Nigerian celebration, a bag of rice represents abundance and the groom’s commitment to ensuring his new household never goes hungry. It is often shared among the bride’s extended family, serving as a symbol of hospitality and the merging of two families through the sharing of food.
Goat
The presentation of a healthy goat is a traditional requirement that signifies a significant sacrifice and deep respect for the bride’s lineage. It is a prized item on the list that adds a touch of prestige to the offerings, often used to prepare the feast that brings both families together in celebration.
Engagement Letter
The engagement letter (often called the Letter of Proposal) is the formal, written declaration of the groom’s honorable intentions. Read aloud during the ceremony, it serves as an official request for the bride’s hand in marriage and remains a cherished document that validates the union in the eyes of the elders.
25 Liters of Vegetable Oil
Large quantities of vegetable oil are included to support the extensive cooking required for the wedding festivities. Beyond its practical use in the kitchen, it symbolizes a smooth and frictionless life for the couple, representing the “oil” that keeps the wheels of their new home running efficiently and joyfully.
25 Liters of Red Palm Oil
Palm oil is included to signify a life of ease and smoothness. In Yoruba tradition, oil is used to “calm the waters,” so its presence on the Yoruba bridal list is a prayer that the couple will be able to resolve any conflicts with peace and grace.
Basket of Assorted Fruits
A basket of assorted fruits is a vibrant and healthy addition to the traditional gift list. It represents the “sweetness” and vitality that the couple hopes to experience in their marriage. Often beautifully arranged with seasonal favorites like pineapples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, grapes, and apples, it serves as a fresh and welcoming gesture to the bride’s family, symbolizing the growth and blossoming of a new life together.
Eja Odo (Dried River Fish)
In Yoruba traditional ceremonies, eja odo is a symbolic requirement that carries deep cultural meaning. It represents the wish for the couple to be fruitful and resilient, much like the life within a flowing river. It is often presented in specific quantities as part of the bridal gifts, serving as a nod to tradition and a blessing for a marriage that remains fresh and ever-replenishing.
10 Cartons of Fruit Juice and Malt
These drinks are provided for the refreshment of the guests and the bride’s family. Including high-quality beverages in the complete eru iyawo shows the groom’s generosity and his family’s readiness to host a joyful celebration for all involved.
2 Cartons of Wine or Schnapps
Alcoholic or non-alcoholic wine is used for the formal libations and toasts during the ceremony. This item on the Yoruba bridal list is used to honor the elders of the bride’s family and to celebrate the successful merging of the two families.
A Large Traveling Suitcase
The suitcase is a fun and exciting part of the complete Yoruba bridal list. It is filled with high-end fabrics, shoes, jewelries and bags for the bride. It symbolizes the fact that the groom is ready to clothe his wife in the finest materials and take care of all her needs. In some cases, the bride informs her husband of what she wants in the box. Some families also gift a set of suitcases instead of just 1 piece.
4 to 6 Pieces of Luxury Fabric (Lace or Aso-Oke)
The Yoruba bridal list will often specify the number of wrappers or lace pieces required. These are high-quality textiles that the bride will add to her new wardrobe. It is a visual display of the groom’s wealth and his respect for his bride’s beauty. The fabrics are also given in pairs for the couple to sew as andco.
A Gold Wristwatch or Jewelry Set
To add a touch of sparkle to the complete eru iyawo, a jewelry set is often included. This represents the “shining” nature of the bride and is a gift that she can cherish as a memento of her traditional engagement day.
The Engagement Ring
While modern, this has become a standard item on the Yoruba bridal list. It is presented during the ceremony as a public sign of the groom’s commitment. It is usually one of the most anticipated moments of the entire traditional event.
The Umbrella
The umbrella is a symbolic item in the complete Eru Iyawo that represents protection. It signifies that the groom will provide a roof over the bride’s head and shield her from the “storms” of life, ensuring she is always safe and secure.
The Dowry (Owo Ori)
The bride price is the climax of the Yoruba bridal list. While often a symbolic amount of money, it is presented in an envelope to the bride’s family. It is a vital traditional gesture that completes the formal requirements of the Yoruba marriage. Some families choose to return this to the groom’s family.
The Essential Cash Requirements
Beyond the physical gifts and the formal dowry, the complete Yoruba bridal list includes several specific envelopes of cash intended for different members of the family. These “monies” are not just payments; they are exciting, traditional gestures that involve the entire community in the joy of the union. During the presentation of the complete eru iyawo, these envelopes are often negotiated with plenty of laughter and singing by the Alaga (the ceremony’s mistress of ceremonies).
Owo Iya Gbo (Money for the Maternal Elders)
This specific envelope on the Yoruba bridal list is dedicated to the maternal side of the bride’s family. It is a way to honor the women who helped raise the bride and to seek their blessings for a fruitful marriage. It acknowledges the vital role the mother’s lineage plays in the bride’s life and heritage.
Owo Baba Gbo (Money for the Paternal Elders)
Just as the maternal side is honored, the complete Yoruba bridal list ensures the paternal elders are recognized. This cash gift is presented to the men of the family to signify respect for the bride’s father and his brothers. It is a beautiful part of the complete Eru Iyawo because it reinforces the support system the couple will have from both sides of the family tree.
Owo Omo Ile (Money for the Children of the House)
This is often one of the most spirited parts of the ceremony! This money is meant for the cousins and siblings of the bride’s household. In the spirit of a Yoruba bridal list, this ensures that the younger generation feels the thrill of the celebration too. It is a fun way for the groom to “win over” his new in-laws and show his generosity to the entire family.
Owo Iyale (Money for the Senior Wives)
The “Iyales” are the senior wives within the bride’s extended family, and they play a major role in organizing the traditional engagement. This envelope is included in the complete eru iyawo to thank them for their hard work and guidance. It is a traditional requirement of the Yoruba bridal list that ensures the women of the household are happy and ready to welcome the groom into their fold.
Owo Letter Kika (Money for Reading the Proposal Letter)
During the introduction and engagement, a formal letter of proposal is read aloud. The complete Yoruba bridal list usually includes a small fee for the person who performs this reading. It adds to the exhilarating atmosphere, making the formal declaration of love and intent feel like a truly grand event for everyone listening.
Owo Ikanlekun (Money for General Logistics)
Sometimes referred to as “miscellaneous” fees, this envelope covers various small traditional rites that occur during the complete Eru Iyawo presentation. It might be used to “open the gate” or to persuade the bride’s sisters to bring her out to the groom. These small cash gifts make the Yoruba bridal list feel interactive and keep the energy levels high throughout the entire ceremony.
Other fees are owo aeroplane, owo alaga, etc., as the bride’s family wishes.
The Significance of the Yoruba Bridal List
The complete Yoruba bridal list is far more than just a grocery list. It is a sacred bond that signifies the official merging of two bloodlines. In Yoruba culture, marriage is not just between two individuals but between two entire families, and the complete eru iyawo serves as the primary tool for building that bridge. By fulfilling the requirements of the Yoruba bridal list, the groom’s family demonstrates their respect, their commitment, and their ability to provide for their new daughter. It is a beautiful display of honor that validates the bride’s worth and ensures that the union begins on a foundation of abundance and mutual appreciation.
Furthermore, every item on the complete Yoruba bridal list acts as a physical prayer for the couple’s future. This makes the complete Eru Iyawo a spiritual and emotional experience rather than just a financial one. It provides the elders with a platform to pour out blessings, and it gives the groom the exhilarating opportunity to show the bride’s parents that their daughter is stepping into a home where she will be cherished and well-cared for.
Who Gets What from The Eru Iyawo?
The distribution of the items from the complete eru iyawo is a carefully orchestrated tradition that ensures every segment of the bride’s family feels included in the joy. Every item is shared among the bride’s family.
- The Bride: The bride gets items like the Bible/Quran, umbrella, suitcase, and clothes.
- The Parents: The bride’s father and mother usually receive the most significant portions, including the primary food items like the yams and salt.
- The Extended Family (Idile): The elders of both the paternal and maternal sides share the kola nuts, bitter kola, and the alcoholic beverages for traditional prayers.
- The Women and Wives (Iyale): The senior wives in the family often take charge of the household items and specific cash envelopes dedicated to the women’s group.
- The Youth (Omo Ile): The younger siblings and cousins are primarily interested in the “Owo Omo Ile” cash and the refreshments, like the juice and malt.
Pro-Tips for Shopping the Yoruba Bridal List
Shopping for a complete Yoruba bridal list can be thrilling if you know where to go and how to handle the process. To get the best quality for your complete eru iyawo, it is highly recommended to visit major traditional markets like Oyingbo or Mushin in Lagos, where you can buy items like yams and alligator peppers in bulk, or markets in your community. This allows you to hand-pick the largest, most impressive tubers to ensure your yoruba bridal list looks spectacular when presented.
When it comes to the “sweetness” items like honey and dry goods, always opt for the best brands to show prestige. For the fabrics and jewelry, involve the bride or her mother, if possible, to ensure the colors and quality match their taste. A great strategy for a stress-free, complete Eru Iyawo is to hire a professional shopper, Alaga, or Eru Iyawo Coordinator who can source the items, decorate the baskets with beautiful ribbons, and handle the logistics of getting everything to the venue on time.
Starting your marriage by embracing the full Yoruba bridal list is a gesture of respect and happiness. Sure, gathering every part of the eru iyawo can seem like a huge task. But it’s a heartfelt way to honor the family that raised the woman you care about. This isn’t only about gifts or rituals. It’s about making your wedding something truly memorable. A celebration of culture, family, and unity. And yes, sometimes the negotiations get spirited, or the list feels never-ending, but every single yam, every neatly packed envelope, it all counts. You’re investing in the joy and foundation of your new home.
When you stand before everyone, gifts in hand, there’s this wave, you feel your roots, your entire heritage standing with you. The Alaga’s playful jokes, the elders’ blessings, the shine of the eru iyawo, it all blends to create moments you’ll always remember. This isn’t just about ticking items off a list. It’s you and your partner stepping forward, accepting new responsibilities, and creating something lasting. So take it all in, dance, laugh, and cherish every moment. You’re not just getting married; you’re starting a legacy. Here’s to your new journey and every adventure ahead.
Till I come your way again, don’t forget to subscribe to Doyin’s Honest Notes and enjoy a drop of honey for your day…
Originally published by HoneyDrops Blog.