By Abubakar Idris Papah
The margi tribe or dialect is traceable in both Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The contemporary Margi family setting constitute a unit of the community, where certain traditions, norms and cultures are not taken for granted. As people who believe in hard work the margi clans though scattered within the areas of the above mentioned states still cherish their tradition most admirable.
There is better understanding between the different clans even when they inter-marry, especially when the family ties become stronger. The marriage ceremony in margi land is not significantly different as regards the various clans.
However, I will try to explain the exciting phenomena of a contemporary margi family after marriage and when eventually they are blessed with “Bli” (twins) which in few communities like in Cross River and Part of Abuja is believed to be an evil antecedent. In the Margi land, it is a blessing and a welcome development that calls for celebration.
In the event of the birth of “Bli”. The information goes round that a particular family has successfully given birth to a set of twin. The kindred of that entire lineage will be informed and a prior date will be fixed for the full celebrations called “fulbli”.
On the faithful day, the household will be full of glamour and splendor as both husband and wife will be traditionally dressed in a special attire. While the woman spice herself with bead from head to waist, the man on the other hand, ties a palm on his forehead. This distinguishes them from any other Kindred in the house.
The climax of the event begins when women from far and near troop into the house with grains on their heads in support of the family. On the contrary their male counterpart come with goat’s and slaughter the goats, part of the meat will be taken by the person who brought the goat and part be given to the household.
A crescendo is reached when eventually the traditional drum player’s display in their, traditional way, and the husband carries his wife up his neck and displays in a dance like the Japanese “Kabuki” stylish display. The margi traditional “fulbli” is an event you cannot afford to miss. Therefore, unlike other communities who frown at the blessing of a set of twins the margi community welcomes it with “pump and peagentry”. Cause it is considered a sign of wealth and prosperity.
