Thursday 26th April 2023
Benin Kingdom Traditional Burial Rites for The Widow
Traditional Benin Burial Rites for Widow differs for different communities, villages, towns and families. It could last 7 days, 3 months, 6 months or 1 year. It depends on what the individual chooses.
Madam Barrister Veronica Aigbogun has chosen the 7 days Mourning period.
Today marks the end of the mourning period for Late Odionwele’s widow Madam Barrister Veronica Aigbogun. She began a 7-days mourning period from the day of internment of her husband on Friday 21st April. Today marks the end of the seven days.
During the 7 days Madam Barrister Aigbogun has worn black clothes and has been required to sit on the mattress on the floor to grieve. Here she receives condolence visits from sympathisers and well-wishers from the community and beyond. They come to keep her company, chat with her, and bring her presents. During this period, she is forbidden from going to the market, farm or visiting others. She must stay within her own compound.
At the end of the 7 days (today) she has successfully completed the compulsory part of the grieving period according to Edo Burial Rites as established by Benin customs over many centuries ago. This Phase 1 is completed and from tomorrow morning she takes the black clothes off and gets rid of them forever. She may stop here or go onto to phase 2.
Phase 2 is the mourning period which extends to 3 months, 6 months or 1 year. At the end of their chosen mourning period the widow may go to church for thanksgiving to God.
Tomorrow Friday 27th April Madam Barrister Veronica Aigbogun discards her black clothes for normal clothes and will resume her normal activities like visit friends, go shopping or go on holiday.
Benin Kingdom Traditional Burial Rites for The Widow
Traditional Benin Burial Rites for Widow differs for different communities, villages, towns and families. It could last 7 days, 3 months, 6 months or 1 year. It depends on what the individual chooses.
Madam Barrister Veronica Aigbogun has chosen the 7 days Mourning period.
Today marks the end of the mourning period for Late Odionwele’s widow Madam Barrister Veronica Aigbogun. She began a 7-days mourning period from the day of internment of her husband on Friday 21st April. Today marks the end of the seven days.
During the 7 days Madam Barrister Aigbogun has worn black clothes and has been required to sit on the mattress on the floor to grieve. Here she receives condolence visits from sympathisers and well-wishers from the community and beyond. They come to keep her company, chat with her, and bring her presents. During this period, she is forbidden from going to the market, farm or visiting others. She must stay within her own compound.
At the end of the 7 days (today) she has successfully completed the compulsory part of the grieving period according to Edo Burial Rites as established by Benin customs over many centuries ago. This Phase 1 is completed and from tomorrow morning she takes the black clothes off and gets rid of them forever. She may stop here or go onto to phase 2.
Phase 2 is the mourning period which extends to 3 months, 6 months or 1 year. At the end of their chosen mourning period the widow may go to church for thanksgiving to God.
Tomorrow Friday 27th April Madam Barrister Veronica Aigbogun discards her black clothes for normal clothes and will resume her normal activities like visit friends, go shopping or go on holiday.