The Tarok people of Nigeria are known for their rich cultural heritage and unique marriage traditions. Nestled in the heart of Plateau State, the Tarok land is a fascinating tapestry of customs and beliefs that have been passed down through generations. In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the intricate details of the Tarok marriage process, exploring the various stages and rituals that make this cultural celebration so captivating.
The Courtship Stage
The journey towards marriage in Tarok land begins with the courtship stage. When a young Tarok man sets his eyes on a woman he is interested in, he begins to send her subtle body signals and gestures, which the woman is expected to understand. This non-verbal communication is the first step in the courtship process, as it allows the man to express his interest without directly approaching the woman.
Once the man has made his intentions clear through these subtle cues, he will then make his advancement known by presenting the woman with a gift. This gift-giving act serves as a formal proposal, and if the woman accepts the gift, it signifies her acceptance of the man’s proposal. At this point, the woman is then invited to a public gathering, where she will have the opportunity to identify the man who has proposed to her from among the other suitors.
If the woman accepts the man’s proposal, the next step in the courtship process is the presentation of additional gifts. The man will present the woman with a headgear, undergarments, and slippers. Once the woman receives these gifts, she will then present them to her mother, who will then guide her on the necessary steps to take. If the mother accepts the gifts, the couple can then proceed with the dating process.
During the dating phase, the man is allowed to visit the woman regularly and even spend the night at her place, but there is a strict restriction on any form of sexual advancement. If the couple is caught engaging in sexual activity, the engagement process is immediately terminated, and the woman’s family will return all the gifts they have collected back to the man, as he is seen as an irresponsible person.
Kate Miri
The Bride Price Payment
If the couple successfully navigates the courtship stage without any incidents, the next step in the Tarok marriage process is the payment of the bride price. This is a crucial step, as it formally seals the marriage agreement between the two families.
The bride price payment involves the man giving the woman’s family a variety of items, including a bag of rice, clothes, a basin of beniseed, azul, and other food items. Additionally, the man will build a small hut within the woman’s father’s compound, where the couple can spend time together and enjoy privacy. This hut remains even after the marriage is complete, serving as a private space for the couple to visit and reconnect.
The bride price payment process is typically overseen by an intermediary, who is responsible for ensuring that all the necessary items are presented and the transaction is carried out smoothly. Once the bride price payment is complete, the man will then present the woman to his mother, along with additional gift items such as wrappers, food items, and clothing for the father-in-law.
The Marital Rites
After the bride price payment, the couple must undergo a series of marital rites to officially seal their union. One of the key rites involves the man performing a ceremony with his maternal uncles, which serves to solidify the marriage. Additionally, the man is expected to mobilize a group of men to work on his father-in-law’s farmland, as a gesture of appreciation and to demonstrate his ability to provide for his new family.
It is important to note that in the Tarok tradition, there is no fixed date for the man to take his wife away. Instead, the woman will decide on a faithful night to elope with her husband, after all the marital rites have been completed. When this happens, the husband’s family will send a person with gift items to the bride’s house to notify them of her whereabouts.
The Modernization of Tarok Weddings
While the traditional Tarok marriage process is deeply rooted in cultural practices and beliefs, the influence of modernization has brought about some changes in recent times. The once-private and intimate nature of the Tarok wedding ceremony has evolved, with some couples opting for more public and elaborate celebrations.
One of the notable changes is the introduction of fixed wedding dates, where the couple and their families agree on a specific day for the wedding ceremony. This shift from the traditional eloping practice has been driven by the desire to incorporate modern elements into the celebration, such as the exchange of vows, the cutting of the wedding cake, and the hosting of a reception.
Despite these changes, the core values and traditions of the Tarok marriage process remain intact. The importance of the courtship stage, the bride price payment, and the marital rites continue to be observed, ensuring that the cultural heritage of the Tarok people is preserved and passed down to future generations.
Conclusion
The Tarok marriage tradition is a captivating and intricate cultural celebration that reflects the rich heritage of the Tarok people. From the subtle courtship gestures to the elaborate bride price payment and marital rites, each stage of the Tarok marriage process is imbued with deep-rooted beliefs and customs.
As the world continues to evolve, the Tarok people have adapted their marriage traditions to incorporate modern elements, while still maintaining the essence of their cultural identity. This delicate balance between tradition and modernity is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Tarok people, ensuring that their unique marriage practices continue to thrive and inspire.