Igala Traditional Marriage in Relation to Christianity

Abstract

Marriage is a sacred and customary duty which every adult Igala is expected to undertake in order to be “fulfilled” in life. As such, somewhat similar to the provisions of other cultures in Africa and religions such as Christianity, there are procedures, limits and some constitutive rules that cater for a normal and sacred nature of marriage in Igala. These include: courtship and the marriage ceremony itself. Marriage can be said to be fruitful in Igala culture if only it brings forth children. Hence an unfruitful marriage can easily break-up. It is believed that at the end of this work, the effects of traditional marriage in the life of Igala people in relation to Christian marriage will be better appreciated. This research employs information from field, books, Journal, oral history, the internet and articles. The research will ultimately add to the body of knowledge on similarities and differences between Igala traditional marriage and that of Christianity. The study finds that truly, the marriage institution among Igala people in relation to Christianity alters the life of the people.

Keywords: Igala, Tradition, Marriage, Christianity