By Eboreine Racheal Olohirere

Culture is a universal phenomenon that forms an essential aspect of human’s life. It manifests in the area of occupation, dressing, food, dancing, singing, marriage among others. In the past, traditional marriage was the other of the day.
All necessary rituals and rites would be observed and the would-be couple would dress fully in traditional outfit to receive the blessing of their parents. Foods in those days were purely of African taste and the local delicacies were preferred to foreign food.
Singing and dancing were specifically of the African tune while talking drums with other sets of traditional musical instrument added glamour to the marriage. This was the true situation of things in the good olden days. However, with the emergence of modernity in Nigeria, the immediate result was cultural conflict, one of the major areas affected by this cultural conflict is traditional marriage.
Cultural differences manifest themselves in different ways and different levels of depth. Owan people in Delta State are relatively homogenous, their persuasive logics are the linguistic and cultural affinities that are noticed among the various groups, customs, traditions, burial and marriage rites, diet hereditary and ascension to the throne.
The Owan people practice various forms of religion ranging from traditional, Christianity and Islam and their marriage and family systems are also practiced along these religions and traditional marriage rites.
Traditional marriage among the Owan people is as old as the history of mankind. It has deep cultural values that are looked upon with respect and honour. Every tribe has it own unique marriage rites, but the people of Owan have been able to organize one of the most glamorous marriage ceremony that is viable and sustainable.
If it is natural that procreation should take place, then marriage between the opposite sex is essential. This had come into manifestation between Adam and Eve in the Holy Bible. Marriage is a premeditated divine institution established by God from time immemorial, designed to form a parliament Union between one mature man and woman as husband and wife.
Marriage and family system as well as the traditional marriage rites are held in high esteem among the Owan people. Personal consent is very important and never taken for granted. As young ladies look forward to this day, so it is with their parents and relations. Marriages without traditional marriage rites among the Owans is no marriage.
As traditional marriage instills morality and discipline on the newly wedded couple, an attempt must be made to revive the practice. There must be a cultural reawaking and cultural pride. People must take pride on their culture and must be ready at all times to identify themselves with it.
There is need for renewed interest in African tradition religion. For there to be meaningful cultural revival, the religions foundation of the traditional culture must be taken into consideration. It was this religion that provided meaning and world-view to our forefathers and this stage has been passed from one generation to the other over the years.
Marriage is designed to mirror our creator’s unconditional love for us. It is a love that will always be there and will never leave us or for sake us. When a man and woman love one another with unconditional love, contentment follows and joy abounds.

Olohirere writes from National Commission of Museums and Monuments, Akure.