The tradition of Ghanaian brides eating “Eto” during marriage

Every society is bound by some peculiar cultural heritage. These cultural aspects distinguish one country from the other; examples of such cultural activities include rich festivals, costume, food and language.

As per the definition of tradition by the Merriam – Webster Dictionary, culture is the way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by the people in a particular group, family, society, etc., over a long period of time. Ghana, similar to other African countries also has its own unique traditions and culture.

In Ghana, one of the most beautiful way of promoting out tradition as part of our culture is the eating of "eto", a savory food by the bride on her wedding day. “eto” is a local Ghanaian food made from either yam, plantain or cocoyam boiled and mashed and mixed with palm oil. This dish is usually garnished with groundnuts and eggs.

This article however will not detail on how this savory dish is prepared; but it will discuss the questions: Why do Africans especially Ghanaian women in the position of marrying have to eat this local food on their wedding day? Is this particular culture practiced and lastly, are there any misconceptions about the intake of the food by the bride on her wedding day?

Last year, I was privileged to be part of the bridal team of a good friend. The entire bridal team right from our hair styling to the make-up technician, all savored a small bowl of “eto” to start the day.

Wowed by this re-introduction of this classic culture, we sought to be enlightened on the practice. The explanation captured the practical, traditional and symbolic consideration.

Primarily, “eto” is starchy in nature because it’s made from boiled yam, hence brides and their attendants who ate “eto” in the morning of the wedding could stand up throughout the long ceremony without having to visit the wash room.

The egg is believed to guarantee the fertility of the woman. Ghanaians are of the view that, when the bride eats an egg on her wedding day, it prepares her womb to conceive thus bearing more children.

In the olden days it behooved the bride to swallow the egg whole. It was believed that if she bit the egg into two, she has bitten her unborn children.

In addition to the symbolism about fertility, eggs are also a key source of protein to the body.

Upon further probing, I was told that in recent times some brides choose from a variety of other local starchy foods such as jollof rice, yam with stew and plain rice with stew that can serve the same purpose of “eto”. Thus to some Ghanaians, the purpose for eating “eto” is too traditional.

Mrs Stella Boateng, in her own words said, “I decided to eat jollof rice on my wedding day because I see the whole process to be associated with non Christian activities. As a believer of the gospel of Christ, I have to shield myself from all non Christian activities”. She said the most important thing is to avoid eating food with soups.

This indicates that this beautiful culture of Ghanaians is gradually fading away and that future kids might grow to meet the absence of this beautiful culture.