WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU MARRY FROM HAUSA COMMUNITY

Marriage in Hausa society is steeped in religious and cultural traditions, with various rites that have been passed down through the ages.

The practice of planned weddings holds a central place in Hausa society. Many criteria, including family history, schooling, and social standing, are considered by parents and elders when choosing a life mate for their children. The family of the prospective bride and groom would generally get together to talk about the marriage proposal and negotiate the details of the marriage when a suitable match has been found.

The mahr, or bride fee, is another essential part of Hausa marriage rituals. The groom traditionally gives a dowry to the bride’s family as a token of his love and financial stability after the wedding. The bride’s social standing and degree of education are two criteria that influence the size of the mahr.

The wedding ceremony itself is a festive celebration with plenty of opportunities for music, dancing, and food. Both the bride and groom dress in traditional garb, with the bride generally accessorizing with dazzling jewels and intricate henna patterns. A religious leader from the Islamic faith generally leads the event and prays and blesses the newlyweds.

The bride is expected to take on domestic responsibilities and care for her new husband and his family after the wedding, when the pair traditionally moves in with the groom’s family. In Hausa society, divorce is frowned upon, and married couples are expected to sort out their differences and stay together for the long haul.

When it comes to marriage, the Hausa people follow a culture that places a heavy focus on tradition, religion, and family and community. Foreigners may find some parts of Hausa culture to be limiting or archaic, but they must keep in mind that these traditions have been passed down from generation to generation and are important to what it means to be Hausa.