Marrying off traditionally, the Hausa way

By JOSFYN UBA
The Hausa cultural marriage is based mostly on the Islamic marriage, starting from introduction to wedding proper. An Hausa wedding ceremony is called a fatiha and is typically hosted by the men in the family. In keeping with the culture of separating the sexes, the father and other men sit together, separate from the mother and the women. It is also highly celebrated according to the means of the hosts. The marriage ceremony usually lasts a week ending on a Sunday. However, preparations begin when the marriage proposal reaches the bride’s parents.
As soon as the bride’s parents accept the marriage proposal, a number of beauty and household products called Kayan Zance such as beauty cream, scents, shoes and blouses is purchased by the groom’s side and taken to the bride’s house with money termed Kudin Gaisuwa and after the delivery, a date is set for the engagement.
In the engagement ceremony, the reception is held at the representative’s of the bride and the groom is asked to bring some kolanuts and sweets for the event. The event usually takes place earlier. Prior to the marriage ceremony some customs include Kamun Ango which takes place on a Thursday while Zaman Ajo takes place on a Friday.  Muslim brides are ornately decorated for their wedding ceremonies. Mehndi is applied to her hands and feet and she wears real gold jewelry—the more the better.

 Different Cultural Wedding Events
Due to the diverse ethnicity in Hausa land, the cultural wedding events vary but the most commonly used by most Hausa people are as follows;

KAMU
This is one of the historical events in the Hausa cultural wedding which dates back to the origin of the Hausa people, kamu signifies the cleansing of the bride , henna mixed with some herbs, scents and flowers of plants are applied to her body covering most part of the body for just some minutes, which is later washed away with a mixture or flowers and perfume in water. This mixture smoothes the skin and making the bride look fresh and more attractive. Another mixture of henna is used to make beautifully decorated designs on the bride’s hands, palms and legs. Henna design makes the bride not only astonishing but unique.

KAYAN LEFE
This refers to the clothing the groom presents to his bride, well arranged in boxes or bags ranging from materials of different kinds, shoes and bags, cosmetics to jewelries, the Holy Qur’an and praying carpet are included in the” kayan lefe”. The “kayan lefe” is presented by the groom’s family, either before the wedding day or on the wedding day. The grooms family is also presented with gift items in terms of cash or kind by the bride’s family as appreciation.

WEDDING FATIHA
This is the most significant event in the Hausa cultural marriage, it is done at the brides residence or at the mosque, family and friends of both the groom and bride gather at the location to witness the wedding vows, unlike other marriages the wedding vows in the hausa cultural marriage is done by the representatives of the groom and the bride precided over by an Islamic leader witnessed by many invited guests. Prayers are offered to the newly wedded couple and celebration continues.

CONVEYING OF THE BRIDE TO HER MATRIMONIAL HOME
After the wedding fatiha, immediately or much later depending on the arrangement, the bride is accompanied by family and friends to her new home who are well received by the groom’s family. This is not the end of events in the Hausa cultural marriage.
In some parts of hausa land the “sayan baki” which is a friendly debate between the groom’s men and the bride’s maids, debating on the amount to be paid before the bride speaks to her groom. This is a way of making them to socialize and later have a greater relationship which is marriage.
In another part “Budan kai” meaning the “Unveiling of the bride” is another event organized by the groom’s family in order to honor and welcome the bride to her new family. During this occasion the bride is presented with gifts both in cash and in kind.
“Walimah” is also an event which normally follows the “Budan kai” it is the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and preaching on how to live a marital life and other issues.