Traditional marriage requirements in Hausa. Getting married to an Hausa lady is no doubt one of the easiest compared to other tribes in Nigeria. Hausa tribe is located in the northern part of Nigerian and mostly Muslims with just a handful Christians.
The Hausa traditional marriage has a lot do with Islamic rites rather than Christianity, it is so simple and inexpensive but the major emphasis are always placed on the religious beliefs of the suitor, which is preferably Islam.
These Are The Simple Steps Leading To Marrying An Hausa Lady:
It all begins with the man expressing interests on the woman that he wants to marry by meeting her parents probably with his own parents and if his proposal is accepted by the girl’s parents after some diligent investigations about the man and his background, the other preparations ensues.
The groom would be allowed to see the bride briefly in the open because any form of privacy between the two at this stage is not allowed and is highly discouraged.
After this first visit, the man sends his parents and elderly relatives to formally ask for her hand in marriage. This method may look simple but we need to have it in mind that it may not be the same in the rest of other tribes in Hausa.
The one described on this post though is the common methods. Those going to see the bride’s parents are expected to bring along with them some items like Bags of salt, sweets, Kolanuts, provisions of various types and so on.
They will also bring along with them some amount of money called in their local dialects “mum gani muna so” which means “We have seen what we want” if the bride’s parents accepts this, it then means that the proposal is complete. After this, the bride’s price negotiations begins from a minimum amount known as ‘Rubu Dinar’ in Hausa which means a quarter kilogram of gold pieces’ to the highest amount that is affordable by the groom.
The bride’s price is usually kept to the minimal levels because the Islamic teachings has it that the lesser the dowry is, the more blessed the union would be. After these are settled, the wedding date will now be fixed by both parents which known as ‘Fatiha’.
According to Hausa traditions, it is the responsibility of the husband to provide the house that the couple would live in, while the bride’s family takes care of the furnishings.
At the wedding, Women are usually not allowed to be outside as they are expected to be indoors preparing the new wife for what lies ahead in marriage, giving her all the necessary advice while preparing her look special on the occasion. This is called, ‘Kunshi’.
The wedding reception known as ‘Walimah’ is carried out based on the tastes of the families involved. This is held is after ‘Fatihah’, joining the two families together. The program goes on for a whole day with enough foods and drinks available for all in attendance.
At the end of the day, the new wife is then escorted to her new home after receiving further marital advice from the concerned relatives.
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