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Traditional marriage · Ewe

Ewe engagement list (marriage list)

The knocking brings drinks to the bride's father and a knocking fee. The bride wealth (srɔnu) is carried in a trunk; the groom's paternal aunts traditionally carry the items.

The knocking is called ʋɔƒoƒo.

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The list, item by item

For the bride

  • Cloths (avɔ)
  • Beads, including waist beads
  • Ring
  • Headscarf
  • Pillow
  • Stool (atizikpui)
  • Trunk or suitcase for the items
  • Bible or hymnal

For the bride's brothers

  • Cash for each of the bride's brothers (About GH₵100 each in a 2022 list)

Drinks

  • Knocking drink for the bride's father (akpeteshie among the Anlo, or palm wine)
  • Akpedaha — the thank-you palm wine
  • Gin for the knocking fee (vɔlenu) × 2
  • Schnapps
  • Dubonnet or other wine
  • Malt and soft drinks

Cash items

  • Cash for each parent (About GH₵250 each in a 2022 list)
  • Knocking money (About GH₵100 in a 2022 list)

A general guide drawn from published lists — not any family's official list. The bride's family gives the actual list, and items and amounts are agreed through the families' spokespersons. Customs differ by ethnic group, hometown and faith; some families accept cash instead of drinks. Always confirm with the bride's family.

Amounts in brackets are what recent published lists showed, not a price. The year of each list is given where we know it.

Common questions

What is on an Ewe engagement list?

Published Ewe lists usually include knocking drink for the bride's father, akpedaha, gin for the knocking fee, schnapps and more: 17 items in all on the list below. The bride's family gives the actual list, so treat this one as a starting point.

What is the knocking called in Ewe custom?

The knocking, the groom's family's first formal visit, is called ʋɔƒoƒo. Many families now hold the knocking and the engagement on the same day.

Who decides what goes on an Ewe engagement list?

The bride's family. They give the list to the groom's family, and items and amounts are agreed through the families' spokespersons. Some families accept cash instead of drinks.

Where this list comes from