Quick Answer
What is the prostration greeting at a Yoruba wedding?
In Yoruba culture, idobale (full-body prostration, traditionally done by men) and ikunle (kneeling, traditionally done by women) are formal respect greetings shown to elders. At weddings, they commonly appear when the couple or younger family members greet parents, in-laws, and senior relatives.
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Last updated:
What is the prostration greeting at a Yoruba wedding?
Also called: idobale, ikunle, kneeling greeting.
Respect in Yoruba culture has a physical language, and at a wedding it shows up clearly: a groom lying fully prostrate before his new in-laws, or a bride kneeling before her elders. These are not incidental gestures — idobale and ikunle are recognized, expected shows of deference woven into how a Yoruba wedding treats its senior generation.
How the greeting is performed
- •Idobale: traditionally performed by men, involving lying fully flat on the ground, face down, before an elder or highly respected figure.
- •Ikunle: traditionally performed by women, involving kneeling (sometimes both knees) before an elder as a mark of respect and greeting.
- •At weddings, these gestures often appear when the bride or groom formally greets parents, in-laws, or senior relatives at various points in the day.
- •The gesture is understood as a sign of good upbringing and respect, and its presence or absence at key moments is genuinely noticed by older family members.
Planning notes
- •Confirm with both families in advance which specific moments (arrival, formal greetings, blessings) call for idobale or ikunle, since expectations vary by family.
- •Brief the photographer on these moments in advance — they are meaningful to capture for the family, even if brief.
- •Make sure the ground or floor surface at key greeting points is practical and clean, since prostration and kneeling involve direct contact with it.
Brief the wedding party on family-specific customs
Share family-specific expectations — like greeting customs for elders — with your wedding party ahead of time using Weddingkart's shared wedding checklist.
Try the wedding checklist tool →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between idobale and ikunle?
Idobale is full-body prostration, traditionally performed by men, while ikunle is kneeling, traditionally performed by women — both are Yoruba gestures of respect shown to elders, commonly seen at weddings.
Is this greeting only performed by the bride and groom?
No — while the couple performing it toward parents and elders is a common wedding moment, other younger family members and guests may also use idobale or ikunle when greeting senior relatives throughout the event.
Is prostration greeting specific to Yoruba culture?
Idobale and ikunle specifically are Yoruba customs; other Nigerian ethnic groups have their own distinct respect gestures for elders, which may differ in form.
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By Mayank JaiswalLast updated