Iria marriage

Iria marriage is a festival celebrated by the Ijaw ethnic group in Rivers State, Nigeria. It is a significant cultural event that marks the transition of a girl into womanhood within the Ijaw community. The festival is primarily observed in the Ibani Kingdom, located in the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Iria marriage ceremony is considered a rite of passage for young girls as they reach puberty and begin to mature physically. Prior to this stage, a girl child runs naked around the neighborhood, but once she reaches the age of puberty, her parents acquire a wrapper for her. The presentation of this wrapper to the girl marks a special day and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The festival consists of three stages, each corresponding to different age groups:

1. Kala-Egerebite: The Kala-Egerebite stage is designated for girls aged between 12 and 15. On the day of the ceremony, the girls wear a single wrapper known as SUU on their chest, along with light beads as adornments.
2. Opu-Egerebite: This stage is meant for young ladies aged between 18 and 21, as well as those slightly older. During the Opu-Egerebite ceremony, the young women tie a waist wrapper called Ikaki, along with popo and damask fabrics, paired with matching blouses.
3. Bibite: The Bibite stage is reserved for women aged 40 and above. In this stage, the women wear traditional garments such as the intorica George wrapper and the lili-inji wrapper. The Bibite stage holds the highest level of honor and respect within the Iria marriage ceremony in Bonny, and it receives special attention and reverence.