Before the guests sit down, the elders pour drinks on the ground. At an Ewe traditional marriage, libation is offered to call on the ancestors to witness the union. Then the negotiations begin, often with plenty of good-natured teasing between the two families.
The Ewe
The Ewe live mainly in Ghana’s Volta Region, as well as in Togo and Benin. Customs vary between areas, such as Anlo in the south and communities further north, but some features are common.
The knocking
As in other Ghanaian cultures, marriage begins with the knocking. The man’s family visits the woman’s family with drinks to announce their interest and ask permission to proceed. The woman’s family usually gives a list of items for the marriage.
The list
The list typically includes drinks such as schnapps, cloth, money, items for the bride such as jewellery, shoes and suitcases, and gifts for her parents. Lists differ between families, and some are more modest than others.
The ceremony
On the day, the groom’s family arrives with the items. A spokesperson for each family leads the discussion. The bride’s family inspects the items, and elders confirm that everything is in order.
Presenting the bride
The bride is often brought out at a key moment. In some ceremonies, other women are presented first in a playful game before the real bride appears.
Kete cloth
Ewe kente, sometimes called kete, is woven in the Volta Region, especially around Agotime and other weaving towns. Its patterns and colours differ from Asante kente. Couples often wear matching kete for the ceremony.
Prayers and advice
Elders offer prayers and advice to the couple about marriage, respect and family responsibilities. The ceremony is both a celebration and a moment of teaching.
Food and music
After the formal part, guests enjoy food such as akple with okro soup or other local dishes, and music including agbadza and borborbor.
Modern changes
Many couples combine the traditional marriage with a church or civil wedding. Some families reduce list items to keep costs reasonable.
The bride’s consent
At a key moment, the bride is asked publicly whether she accepts the marriage, often through accepting a drink from the groom’s family. Her answer is greeted with cheers and dancing.
Every Ewe family runs the ceremony a little differently. The constant is that two whole families, along with the couple, are joined that day in front of their elders.
