Is Yandang bride price unreasonably expensive?
In present day Yandang culture, the first part of the marriage rites observed is the asking price, as stipulated by the bride's family. Afterwards, the monetary bride price is paid alongside the "mahin", (two he-goats and a fully grown ram) and the "wakonang", given to the mother inlaw. This is followed by a set of boxes filled with new clothes for the bride and in some cases new clothes are bought by the groom for the bride's parents too. After paying all these, the groom and his family are still expected to foot all the bills for the wedding ceremony. These include the refreshments for guests, reception venue, decor, bride's wedding gown, her bridesmaids dresses, and so much more. These expenses are outrageous. I know someone who recently paid a bride price of two hundred and fifty thousand naira, minus the the "mahin" and the "wakonang". I bet that amount took up a sizable chunk of his savings. A lot of these practices are not...