Before we go into this questionable topic, this accessory has a lot of names. It has been called anklet, ankle chain, ankle bracelet, ankle string, and leg chain in northern Nigeria. The most acceptable English name is anklet, while leg chain is layman’s language of the accessory.
So, the anklet is an accessory or ornament worn around the ankle of a woman’s leg and sometimes, men’s.
What is A Leg Chain?
Anklets are made from silver and gold, and sometimes, we see simple and fancy leather with a twisted knot worn around the ankle. While this piece of accessory, along with earrings, jewelry, and necklaces, are gotten from the same metals, there seem to be heated conversations, arguments, and controversies.
This topic has brought about so many discussions among Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups – Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.
History of Leg Chain
This fashion did not just start in our century; it has been with us for a long time. It is indeed a tradition, and whether we like it or not, some practice stays with us, either good or not.
Over the years, anklets have been trending among young and older women worldwide, which is now seen as a fashion trend. But, with movement comes an open dialogue, opinions, different meanings, views, pros, and cons. The use of these anklets among women has become the most controversial fashion in Nigeria, coupled with the nose ring and waist beads.
Meaning of Leg Chain in the Bible
The bible is silent on the leg chain, thus no concrete ruling is found.
Meaning of Leg Chain in Islam
In Islam, it is not permissible for women to show their adornment outside, most especially something that jiggles such as the leg chain. However, wives can wear it for their husbands.
And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment.
The ruling on this can be found in Suratul A-Noor 24:31.
Meaning of Leg Chain in Nigeria
The major tribes in Nigeria; Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, have people who wear anklets during cultural events. As we all, with these wealthy tribes and different cultures, there must be discrepancies and controversies about leg chains in northern Nigeria.
Leg Chain Hausa Meaning
Leg chain in Hausa is called ‘Sarkan kafa’. In the Hausa culture, a woman is free to put on a leg chain but only under the condition that no man is allowed to see it other than her lawfully wedded husband. Her husband alone is the one who’s meant to see the chain and hear it jiggle whenever she walks, and in so doing, she’s abiding by the instructions in the Holy Quran. In a nutshell, the leg chain in northern Nigeria signifies marriage and adornment for the Hausa culture.
Leg Chain in Igbo Culture
Igbo culture’s leg chain signifies prestige, wealth, and beauty. Their anklets are made of elephant tusks, beads, and brass used in cultural dances, festivals, and other cultural events like coronations, chieftaincy titles, etc.
Leg Chain in Yoruba Culture
Lastly, in the Yoruba culture, it was worn to signify the symbol and spirit of children. The wearing of the beads is more symbolic than ornamental as it is worn mainly among Chiefs. In one way or another, these are why leg chains are worn by these famous tribes and among women.
But these cultures were broken and misled one way or the other, and I will share my story about leg chains in northern Nigeria.
My Leg Chain Story
What’s this topic without sharing my opinion and story? I’ve always fancied ornaments around my ankle, and of course, I have done that. I bought an anklet in northern Nigeria to twin with my best friend in school. I mean, best friends forever, we’ve all been there! We got a pairing anklet of different colours, one gold and the other silver.
Oh, I forgot something; before we decided to buy this ornament, we’ve heard several stories on campus about how the security personnel views anklets, but we still went ahead to buy them. It meant friendship, fashion, and nothing else in our defence. So, we bought them at around one thousand five hundred naira if I remember correctly. It was indeed a beautiful piece; we loved our pick, and we immediately put them on. We had a different walk for days as we slayed and sashayed the whole school with our anklets.
One beautiful morning, I returned from lectures when my friend called me over the phone, sounding pissed. I was confused. I couldn’t help but think, “What was going on?” I ended the call by telling her, “I dey come hostel now, I’ll be with you soon.”
She and I stay in the same room, so I know she will be there and I hope the food will be waiting for me too. On reaching the hostel and walking fast to our room, I saw my friend sitting on the bed. She seems calm now; I was glad. So, after resting and eating, we talked, and that’s when she told me what happened and why she was pissed.
She asked me to remove the anklet and place it on her hands. I tried explaining to her that it was just for fashion and nothing else. She refused to see reasons with me and kept saying leg chains are for lesbians. WHAT! I was lost for words, stunned cause I would never have thought anyone would think such just because of a fashion accessory.
Leg chain in northern Nigeria and other parts of the country signifies lesbianism. They see it as a way of telling the same gender that you are into them and they can come to you.
Leg Chain Misconceptions in Northern Nigeria
Asides from these, people also believe that women who wear anklets are said to be;
Be in an open relationship
Serve as an indicator that she has no love, and lastly
Irresponsible and wayward.
People also say that if the anklet is on her left leg, she is taken, and she is single on her right.
The use and significance of the leg chain in northern Nigeria will continue to be a myth, and we must live around it. People see this metal as a way of beautifying themselves, and no one can change their minds. This fashion trend has been accepted by some and condemned by others, primarily by religious, cultural, and social bodies.
But it is safe to say that these leg chains in northern Nigeria make ladies’ legs beautiful.
Conclusion
While there is more to leg chain in northern Nigeria, one thing we shouldn’t do is not judge the wearers as wayward. Let’s leave waist beads, nose rings, and leg chains in northern Nigeria for what they are – accessories and nothing else. People should be open-minded about these topics, respect women’s choices, and learn not to judge women based on their physical adornment.
FAQs on Leg Chain
What does the ankle chain represent?
Leg chains in northern Nigeria represent beauty, fashion style, and physical adornment.
is it a sin to wear an anklet?
In Islam, iIt is only a sin if it is worn outside. There is no ruling in Christianity.
What do anklets mean in Nigeria?
They mean different things to different people. To some, it is a sign of promiscuity, waywardness, being attracted to the same gender, being in an open relationship, and more. To most wearers in northern Nigeria however, it is simply a fashion accessory just like kube caps for men.
Jigida, Ileke, Maji, Giri giri, or whatever you call waist beads in your respective languages, comes in various sizes, lengths, and shapes and is suited for all body types. These beads have been essential in African tradition since the beginning of time. It is believed to have been in existence since the 15th century. Let’s have an in-depth understanding of these beads, controversies, and how it’s regarded.
What are Waist Beads?
Like they say, “different strokes for different folks,” these beads mean different things to different people. For a lame man, he would define them as just admonishment. Some oddly superstitious people would define these beads as charms women use to make men do what they want and to fulfill their innermost desire, mostly money and material needs or want.
Waist beads are beautifully crafted and designed by hand with white fishing lines; eye-catching beads are made of glass, crystals, bone, quartz, stones, cowries, and seashells, which are environmentally friendly and safe. They are worn around the waist singly or in multiples and fall beautifully on the stomach.
These beads have been with us since the beginning of time and are still an old tradition. They were worn for various reasons, from royalty, adornment, embellishing one’s body, and decoration. Regarding what beads are, it is an open dialogue, and one should keep in mind that people have different opinions, and everyone is entitled to theirs.
Different Colours of Waist Beads and Their Meanings
Enticing and blended colorful beads are worn on the waist worldwide by women in different colors as a sign of feminity, confidence, beauty, fertility, and mostly self-love. Yes, self-love. It doesn’t matter if you’re fat, thick, slim, or plus-sized. If you want to rock these beads, go ahead and rock them. Here are different colors below to select from what fits and defines you with their various meaning.
Brown – Stability
White – Truth and Purity
Red – Confidence and Bold
Black–Power
Blue – Loyalty
Pink – Soft, Romance, and Kindness
Yellow – Vibrant and Fertility
Green – Prosperity
Gold – Richness, and Wisdom
Orange – Vitality
Turquoise – Love and Healing
Indigo – Inner vision
Purple – Self-awareness
Silver – Dignity, and Stability
Gray – Reflection and Redirection
Waist Beads Uses
Aside from these color meanings above, waist beads are either worn singly or in multiples, capable of evoking sexual wants and desires. A good number of people believe they are used for other reasons.
These beads are used in making jewelry, anklets, earrings, and bracelets. Bead making is a lucrative business here in northern Nigeria, and if you have a good eye for fashion, this can fetch you some good money in these trying times.
Many people believe the beads in the company of anklets (leg chains) are used for decorating, adorning, and embellishing one’s body.
Few people firmly believe that they come with spiritual powers. Although not proven, it is still in their belief that it comes with capabilities to make men bend to a woman’s will, and some believe they are used as contraceptives.
Some believe the beads attract the opposite sex and stir deep, dark emotional and sexual responses in them just like how Kayan Mata is used.
Most women believe wearing beads often helps accentuate and highlight one’s curves and keeps the waist trim. As a result, the beads are worn to draw attention to the waist and hips until they fall or break, but new beads are purchased if such happens. I happen to fall under the who wear waist beads for this sole reason.
My Personal Encounter with Waist Beads
Growing up, I never thought about it that way, but I could see beyond it as an embellishment for my body when I met someone, my roommate Rofia, who adorned her waist with blended beads. It captivated me immediately.
Then one day, I asked about the beads, and she was able to tell me where I could get the already made beads, or I could make mine. I was more into the latter, but I still purchased an already made one as a guide to making mine. Six years and still counting, I still adorn my waist with beads.
Besides having a small waist, it also makes you aware of your weight: if you’re adding or losing. If the beads get tighter around my waist, I believe I’m adding weight; if it doesn’t, I know I’m not adding weight, or I am still the way I was. It’s been a win-win for me ever since then. May I also add that men love their women who know how to make these beads shake? This shows women learning to twerk to please their men by looking sexy for them.
Waist Beads Controversies
Quite a handful of people believe the beads, when seen around the waist, are fetish and seem to have spiritual powers; the popular word is “Kayan Mata.”
Some people consider Kayan Mata items with spiritual powers to bend one to act against their will. A famous person whom people believe makes such things happen is a woman called “Jaruma” There have been testimonials on Instagram about the originality of her items and how they work. The internet, especially social media, took up to this; since then, there have been many opinions, stories, and beliefs. Though they are all stories from different people, regardless of that, these beads are still loved by some.
Social Media Reactions
We’ve seen many women more than often break the internet with enticing and alluring beads around their waist. Some are hidden under their clothes, while some can be seen over their outfits. Most often, they are worn on the bare skin.
Waist beads have been an open dialogue and will always have an uproar on the internet as different people would say their opinions about them. Some are good, some are not so good, and some are weird to be factual. Below are a few:
Queen Bee on Twitter aired her opinion by agreeing that waist beads, just like anklets (leg chains), are nothing else but fashion. These beads accentuate the waist and also make it eye-catching. I mean, you can never miss a woman on these beads.
It is now a fashion, nothing to be scared about but!!!
Queen Bee
Arguably, we can say that ‘but?” means a lot for Queen Bee. It could be a fetish and spiritual powers or contraceptives, but it’s now a fashion trend among women worldwide.
A young lady Miss Danielle expresses her love for beads around her waist but is cut short of the immense joy due to the selection of colors she makes.
I got the beads, but the issue is I don’t love the selection I made, and I don’t like the colors lol.
It’s pretty funny because she made the selection herself, but such happens, and it is okay. But, be sure to select colors based on what you want the color of the beads to mean for you. If you want the truth, go for white; if you wish richness, go for gold.
An online beads vendor also shared her opinion about what she sells and emphasized the tradition from centuries ago.
They are used for fashion basically (makes women attractive and sensuous) Also, to watch weight (gaining or losing) and it is our African heritage.
Conclusion
When it comes to waist beads, one should be open-minded as there are many opinions. But I like to believe that one should see beyond it and comes to terms with it as being nothing else but an admonishment on one’s body. The blended colors of the beads and how they highlight the waist and hips are more than enough reasons one should see it as such.
Some of these beads come with lucky charms as decorations and nothing else but that aside, one should always be prayerful. Are you one who sees beads as a fetish or an embellishment? Let me know in the comment section below.
Sponge cake (or yellow cake) is a soft, spongy, and delicious cake with a brownish outer surface and a whitish inner surface. This is made with lots of eggs, sugar, and flour, and I’ll be walking you through the sponge cake recipe.
1 cup of flour 3 tablespoons of milk (optional) 3 tablespoons of oil 4 eggs ¼ cup of sugar ¼ cup of butter ½ tablespoon of vanilla essence
Procedures for Preparation of Sponge Cake
STEP 1: Crack your eggs and separate the yolks from the whites in different bowls.
STEP 2: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350F.
STEP 3: In your bowl of yolks, give this a whisk and add milk, oil, and vanilla essence.
STEP 4: Gradually sift the flour into the bowl and give it a stir. Mix until well incorporated and set this aside.
STEP 5: In the bowl of whites, using a hand mixer, beat for 20 minutes from medium to high until it begins to foam.
STEP 6: Add in sugar and continue beating till stiff peaks. Here, you see the egg whites looking thick, creamy, and white.
STEP 7: Now add this to the bowl of yolks. Fold it in and mix.
STEP 8: Get the clean baking pan. It’s time to bake this sponge cake recipe.
STEP 9: Grease the pan with butter and add parchment paper to the sides and bottom of the pan. You may also dust with flour after greasing.
STEP 10: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Do not fill to the brim to avoid pouring while baking.
STEP 11: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle of the pan. Do not open the oven while baking.
STEP 12: Remove from the oven using a hand glove or mittens.
STEP 13: Allow it to cool for 5–10 minutes or place it on a rack for easy air ventilation.
STEP 14: Enjoy!
Recipes that Best Goes with It
Sponge cake goes with ice cream, milkshakes, and, of course, soft drinks like Coca-Cola, etc.
How to Serve Sponge Cakes
Sponge cake should be served to friends, loved ones, and family immediately as it cools off. You can also enjoy sponge cakes with these 3 different ways of making chocolate sauce.
Occasion to Serve Sponge Cakes Best
This delicious sponge cake recipe can be served any day, anytime, and anywhere. It could serve as a lunch box for kids, birthday parties, or after-party snacks.
Nutritional Value of Sponge Cakes
This snack is packed with benefits such as low calories when eaten, a good source of energy, and, of course, the unique flavors in your kitchen.
How to Store Sponge Cake
Store in the freezer for 2–3 days. I suggest you wrap before storing and also consume within a day. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Are you in the kitchen already? Whisk up this recipe and tell us how you made this soft, fluffy, spongy, and delicious sponge cake recipe. Be sure to let us know when you do in the comment section.
FAQs
Can I use butter or margarine for my sponge cake?
With margarine, you get a softer and more fluffy texture in cakes than with butter. Butter has a great taste and smell but it makes cake dense and dries out the moisture. Margarine should be your go-to when making this sponge cake.
What is the difference between regular cake and sponge cake?
A very good difference between regular cake and sponge cake is that the latter is made with lots of eggs, while the former contains baking powder or baking soda.
What is the difference between butter cake and sponge cake?
Butter cake relies on butter or margarine and some leavening agents such as baking powder and baking soda, whereas sponge cake relies on the beaten eggs and air that gets into it.
What are the four types of sponge cakes?
These are Swiss roll sponge, Devil’s Food Cake, Forrest sponge cake, Angel Food Cake, and many other types of sponge cakes.
What is the secret to sponge cake?
The secret to sponge cake is in its texture, the eggs, and the absence of leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder. In sponge cake, the leavening agents are in the eggs and the air is gotten from beating them using the mixer. Sponge cakes are soft, light, fluffy, and airy, and this is a result of beating egg whites.
Do you ever get bored of the same old bakery bread? Do you ever want to try something new with bread? If this thought has run through your mind, then how to make banana bread recipe is for you!
Too often, I find bread to be bland and I tend to crave something new and interesting. Sometimes, I opt for sponge cake, cupcakes, or something sweet at the very least. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you how to make the moist and delicious banana bread recipe for friends and family and, most of all, for yourself. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this recipe.
2-3 overripe bananas ½ teaspoon baking soda 76g of melted butter A pinch of salt 150g of sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 205g of flour 80g of plain yogurt (optional but this adds moisture to the bread) Nuts (your choice but optional as it gives it a crunchy taste) 1 cup of chocolate chips (optional)
Procedures for Making Banana Bread
STEP 1: Before you put your hands to work, preheat the oven to 350F and butter your baking pan. A small baking pan is more than okay for this.
STEP 2: Now, let us get you started on how to make banana bread.
STEP 3: In a mixing bowl, mash your bananas using a fork until completely smooth.
STEP 4: Add melted butter into the bowl.
STEP 5: Add baking soda and salt.
STEP 6: Again, add in sugar, an egg, and vanilla extract. If you’re using yogurt, add it in.
STEP 7: Lastly, add flour, nuts, and chocolate chips (if you will be using them) and mix them in.
STEP 8: Get your pan and pour the batter into it.
STEP 9: Bake for 50 minutes to an hour after placing the pan into the middle of the oven at 350F
STEP 10: Bake until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle.
STEP 11: Take out of the oven using a mitten and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
STEP 12: Now, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely before serving.
STEP 13: Using a knife, slice and serve.
How to Serve Banana Bread Recipe
Now that you know how to make banana bread, how do you serve it? Slice and serve your banana bread as breakfast and dessert along with fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and jam. Another way of enjoying this recipe is along with fruit juice such as orange, or apple, or serve with toppings like peanut butter, Nutella or chocolate drizzle, or even caramel drizzle.
Occasions to Serve Banana Bread Recipe Best
Banana bread recipe is mostly eaten over breakfast with friends and family and eaten as dessert to savor something sweet and delicious. You can make this for birthdays, Eid celebrations, and even on special days to share with loved ones.
How to Store Banana Bread Recipe
Place your loaf of bread in a plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. You can store it for up to 2-3 days.
Nutritional Value of Banana Bread Recipe
Whether you’re making your banana bread recipe at home or buying it online, it can be a health bomb or a health attack. Banana bread recipe has been proven to be packed with proteins, energy-boosting, and contains fats but healthy fats.
Conclusion
This recipe is not only delicious but moist and sweet and the ingredients on how to make banana bread are most definitely lying around in your pantry/store at home. When you go to the market, be sure to buy some bananas so you can make them at home. Be sure to let us know in the comment section when you make some.
FAQs
What is the difference between banana loaf and cake?
Banana bread is made just as above, it is dense and banana is used while the cake is made with banana as the main ingredients. Here, banana bread was used mostly as a flavor and taste.
Do I need a mixer for my banana bread recipe?
No, you do not need a fancy mixer to whip this recipe up. A simple bowl, a fork, or a whisk is all you need.
Do I fill the batter to the brim of the pan?
No, fill the pan halfway and never to the brim of the pan. If you by chance have excess, use another pan to bake it.
Why is my banana bread hard?
In baking, mistakes such as overmixing batter can happen. Instead of mixing when you add in ingredients, add all the ingredients in a bowl and give it just a mix instead of adding one at a time and mixing when you do.
Why is my banana bread brown?
This is because you added too much baking soda. Too much baking soda increases the alkalinity or basicity of your batter. Remember to use just ½ teaspoon of your baking soda.
Seeing that favorite chocolate cupcake recipe and you can’t get your mind off it because you are without an oven? I say sit back, relax, and enjoy as I’m about to tell you how to make cupcakes at home without an oven. Cupcakes, just like chocolate chip cookies are special delicacies.
There are many ways you can bake at home without an oven:
This method is a slow cooking method and transmits heat to the baking pan.
Procedures
STEP 1: Take a big pot and place it on a stovetop or gas top. Make sure the pot is clean and dry. (The stovetop is available on Amazon, Jumia, and Vevor)
STEP 2: Add in sand, either clay or sandy, till it gets to the middle of the pot.
STEP 3: Turn on the heat, cover the pot, and preheat it for 20 minutes.
STEP 4: Carefully place the cake pan with the batter on the sand so as to avoid pouring. (The cake pan is available on Amazon and Jumia)
STEP 5: That’s it; you can bake now.
2. The Stone Method
The stone method is quite similar to the sand, as it gives heat from the bottom to the top. The cake, in turn, absorbs heat, which helps in rising and baking it.
Procedures
STEP 1: Take a big pot and place it on a stovetop or gas top. Make sure the pot is clean and dry.
STEP 2: Add in stones until it gets to the middle of the pot.
STEP 3: Turn on the heat, cover the pot, and preheat it for 20 minutes.
STEP 4: Place your cake pan on the stones carefully to prevent it from pouring.
STEP 5: That’s how to make cupcakes at home without an oven. Just by using stones, it’s that easy.
3. The Wire Rack Method
This is quite simple and easy, as you’ll just be using a wire rack as a means of transmitting heat. (The wire rack is available on Amazon and Jumia)
Procedures
STEP 1: Take a big pot and place it on a stovetop or gas top. Make sure the pot is clean and dry.
STEP 2: Place a wire rack on the pot.
STEP 3: Turn on the heat, cover the pot, and preheat it for 20 minutes.
STEP 4: Place your cake batter gently on the rack.
STEP 5: Wait while the rack does the baking.
Precautions on How to Make Cupcakes At Home Without Oven
Now that you know the method to use, go ahead and make a selection.
1. But remember to reduce the heat from high to medium when you commence with the baking. 2. Another precaution is to add parchment paper to the pan before pouring the batter so as to stop it from burning. (The parchment paper is available on Amazon and Jumia) 3. Remember to grease the pan with butter before pouring the batter into the cupcake liners. 4. To check the doneness of cupcakes, poke a hole into an empty toothpick or skewer. (The skewers are available on Amazon and Jumia). If it comes out clean, you’re done. The cakes are ready! 5. Time varies for baking, but 20–45 minutes should do the trick, depending on the recipe and quantity.
Below is a recipe for how to make cupcakes at home without an oven.
Cupcakes Ingredients
1 1/2 cups of flour 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder 2 large eggs 2/3 cups of sugar 12 tablespoons melted butter 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract 1/2 cup of milk
Proceduresfor Making Cupcakes
STEP 1: In a bowl,sift flour, baking powder, and salt. (The bowl is available on Amazon and Jumia).
STEP 2: In a different bowl, beat eggs and sugar with a mixer or by hand till soft, doubled in size, and fluffy. (The bowl is available on Amazonand Jumia).
STEP 3: Once the butter is soft and fluffy, add melted butter and vanilla extract.
STEP 4: Add in the flour bit by bit until well mixed with the batter.
STEP 5: Add in milk and give this a light mix. Don’t put in too much pressure so as not to over-mix the batter.
STEP 6: Grease your pan and get ready to bake with the sand, stones, or wire rack method. Tada! That’s how you make cupcakes without an oven at home.
Conclusion
Making cupcakes is quite easy now, don’t you think so? If the cake gets burned, simply level out the burned part using a knife or a cake scraper. Nothing to worry about; get baking!
