by Happiness Hassan | May 7, 2022 | Uncategorized
Weddings are one of those events common to all cultures and tribes. It’s a time when a man and a woman are legally joined as one and declared husband and wife amid witnesses. However, wedding procedures and requirements vary from one tribe to another, this is what makes it unique. Perhaps, you’ve heard about the Igala ethnic groups, and you’re curious about how Igala weddings are being conducted, or you may be interested in marrying an Igala lady and need to know what you are signing in for. Sit back and relax as this article will cover everything you need to know about Igala weddings.
Furthermore, people often ask how do I approach an Igala lady, declare my intentions and get to meet her parents? Also, do igala parents collect dowry and how much does it cost? In addition, do I have to speak Igala before her parents accept me? All these questions and many more will be answered in the course of this article.
What You Should Know About Igala Ladies
Igala ladies just as any other tribe are well cultured and mannered having received proper training and advice from their parents— This begins from childhood until the marriageable stage. Oftentimes, Igala ladies are so attached to their moms and will eventually display whatever traits exhibited by their mothers, either good or bad. But, not to worry as Igala parents never fail at giving valuable advice needed by daughters intending to get married.
Talking to an Igala Lady
The First step common to all igala weddings is the agreement between a man and a woman who desire to get married. However, interested suitors are scared of being rejected so there is a dilemma on what step to take.
Interestingly, it’s easy to approach an Igala lady as long as you’re polite but declaring your intentions at the very first meeting may not be a good idea and is one of those things you should never say on a first date. In contrast, learn about those fun things to do on a first date which in turn establish a mutual friendship. Once this is achieved it’s best you let the cat out of the bag.
Furthermore, you don’t have to be afraid of being rejected as Igala ladies are good at turning down requests politely without being rude. In addition, you can use an intermediary if you feel uncomfortable about going in person, although this is not compulsory. I tell you it shows you’re competent when you go in person and she would appreciate that.
Talking to an Igala Lady’s Parents About Your Intentions
This stage comes in two phases and is also called the introduction phase of igala weddings. So, after the lady agrees to your proposal it’s time to step up the relationship by meeting her parents. However, don’t try pretending to be who you’re not to please her parents. This might turn out bad and you will eventually lose your chances of getting married to her.
Interestingly, Igala parents excel more at background checks about whoever their child is getting married to. Unknown to the couple in question, both Igala families, that’s if they are both Igala, dig more into the family history of whoever their son or daughter intend to marry. This is because they believe that every unpleasant trait found can be transferred.
Pre Introduction Phase of Igala Weddings
This phase is when the lady takes her man to see her parents alone. In other words, he goes to introduce himself to her parents without anyone accompanying him. This is where his fate is decided as he gets to know if he is accepted or not. It’s advisable he goes with gifts for her parents and also her siblings if she has any. The success of this stage determines the next.
Introduction Phase of Igala Weddings
This is the time when the man comes with his family members to declare his intentions properly to the woman’s family. Also, some members of the woman’s family are invited to witness this event, although it isn’t something elaborate as only few persons get to attend.
The man is expected to come along with two plates of kola nuts, with a reasonable sum of money placed on each plate, alongside four crates of acceptable drinks that will be presented to the woman’s parents. In addition, he will be asked to bring money that will be used to cook and entertain all those who will attend the introduction including his own family.
Furthermore, the male family is expected to come with a mediator who will introduce them and also declare the reason for their visit. Afterward, the lady is asked if she accepts their proposal, once she gives her consent, prayers are made and the gifts brought are presented to her parents.
Afterward, both couples are expected to introduce their spouse to their family members occupying sensitive positions in the family.
Igala Fixing of Wedding Date and Courtship
This stage is often the easiest to cross so long as both parents are in support of the union. However, once you’ve carried out the two introduction phases and have gotten her parents acceptance, you should tie the knot as soon as possible— Delay might be dangerous except there are still some background checks yet to be carried out. Hence, a favorable date for both families is fixed and invitations are being sent.
How is Igala Traditional Marriage Done?
This can also be referred to as engagement day. According to Igala weddings tradition, the man will come to collect a bill which contains the amount of money needed to cook and entertain invited guest. Furthermore, he buys two mats and two wrappers that are to be used on the wedding day. In addition, he brings two plates of kola nuts, with a reasonable sum of money on them, 4 crates of drinks as was brought during the introduction phase.
On the day of the traditional wedding, the mats and wrappers bought will be spread on the floor, one for the bride and the other for the groom. Next comes the bride dancing to the music being played with her friends, while this is done money is sprayed on her as she greets both families. She goes back and changes her attire and comes out for the second time with her friends dancing, greets as money is sprayed on them.
The bride goes back again and changes her attire for the third time, this time she comes out with two of her best friends dancing as she goes to sit on the mat, with both friends sitting one to her left and the other to her right. Oftentimes, she may refuse to sit, but in order to make her sit, the groom’s family will continue spraying money until she feels like sitting.
Next, comes in the groom with two of his friends, dancing in once, oftentimes no money is sprayed except his family wants to. They get to sit on the second mat, with the same sitting arrangements as the bride. Most importantly, the groom and the bride are expected to put on the same attire on that day.
Afterward, the groom’s spokesman will speak and present the gifts brought to the parents of the bride and request that they give their son their daughter hand in marriage. The bride is asked if she accepts their proposal, she agrees and the couple is declared husband and wife amidst witnesses.
Subsequently, the groom will be asked to take proper care of their daughter, love her, and fulfill his duty as a man. That’s why it’s important that as a couple intending to get married you learn about those marriage preparation tips for every intending couple.
After this stage of the event, the floor is open to those who want to advise the couple or may want to present gifts to them. Following this comes celebration—dancing and eating and your bride is yours!
Do Igala Parents Collect Bride Price?
No, 95% of Igala parents don’t collect bride price on their daughter and this is one trait that makes igala weddings unique. All that’s required are those gifts to be brought along during introduction and money to cook and entertain the guest on the introduction day and even on the traditional marriage day.
What are Igala Traditional Marriage Requirements?
As we have earlier established only specific gifts will be requested and money to ensure the wedding turns out well. However, items like yam, red oil, meat e.t.c needed for cooking might be brought by the man. This is usually optional as he may decide to bring money for those items to be bought.
Conclusion
Igala weddings are an interesting event to witness and one of the stress-free processes to go through as a couple. Therefore, if you’re a man still unsure about speaking to an Igala lady, brace up and make your intentions known as there is absolutely nothing to worry about. The entire process is doable and trust me igala families are welcoming.
Finally, have you had any experience with igala weddings?
by Abdulsalam Yunusa | Mar 26, 2022 | Uncategorized
The Hausa language is the predominant language in the northern part of Nigeria, with a significant population of indigenous speakers in the Niger Republic, Ghana, Cameroon, Sudan as well as other African countries.
Hausa ladies are no doubt beautiful, soft-spoken and elegant. If you have been active on social media for the past few years, sights and sounds from the glamorous weddings of Hausa ladies are enough to make you wish to have one as a wife. Well, if you are curious and would like to know how to get married to a Hausa lady, you are at the right place. But before you start thinking of the numbers and colors of kaftan to sew, it is important for you to know these steps that I will share with you. Now, let’s go straight into it!
How to Get Married to a Hausa Lady
With a large percentage of Hausa people practicing the religion of Islam, marriage in Hausaland shares an intricate relationship with that of Islam. This involves laws that disallow any unnecessary communication and physical contact completely between prospective spouses until they become officially pronounced as husband and wife.
That being said, what will you do when you finally see the Hausa lady that captures your heart?
The first thing you need to do after seeing the lady of your dreams is to do a little background check, after which you will send your relatives or other respected members of the society to meet her parents, inform them of your intention and seek permission to initiate communication between you two. The lady will then be called upon by her parents – usually the mother – and be asked whether she loves you. If she does, then the proposal will be accepted and investigations regarding you and your family will begin almost immediately. Some families will only accept your proposal if they are satisfied with the results of the background check they have conducted. While a lot of youths now skip this step and go straight to letting the lady know of their intentions, it still remains the ideal.
Now that you have been accepted as a prospective son-in-law, you will be formally allowed to go see their daughter from time to time and discuss future plans. Don’t forget to be going along with gifts though — ladies love gifts.
READ ALSO: Why Hausa Societies Don’t Perform Anymore Baiko During Marriages
Hada Kayan Lefe
After fixing a date for the wedding, this is where your savings will play a part. You will start buying Kayan Lefe. This includes a set of boxes containing jewelry, cosmetics, shoes, bags, undies, and any other clothing material that your future wife will use in your house after marriage. These items are bought based on the list that the lady will provide; you sure wouldn’t want to spend your money buying things that she won’t need. The quantity and quality of items depend on your financial status and that of the lady’s family, so you should be mindful of the family you are planning to marry from.
READ ALSO: The Average Cost of Kayan Lefe
Na Gani Ina So
After seeking permission to start seeing their daughter, some female members of your family are to meet with the lady’s family to present them with gifts. The gifts can be in form of a box containing clothes, jewelry, shoes, bags, and even some cash, depending on your financial strength.
Gaisuwan Iyaye
A little later after being accepted as a prospective in-law, what comes next is to officially go and greet your in-laws-to-be. Here, you will go well-dressed along with your siblings, close friends, or relatives to greet the parents of your future bride as well as their close relatives and friends. You might want to carry some cash with you and give it out after every greeting.
Fixing of Wedding Date (Sa Rana)
As you start getting along with your future wife, you will be expected to start making more moves towards making it official. This is where kayan sa rana comes in; these are items your family will present to the lady’s family so as to fix a date for the wedding. The two families will negotiate and finally agree on a date that will be most convenient for both sides, nevertheless, the lady’s family usually has the upper hand in making the decision. Kayan sa rana usually includes packs or cartons of sweets, chewing gums and kolanut, and some money. For a Fulani lady, you will need to add some bags of salt too.
Shelter and Kayan Daki
Providing shelter is your sole responsibility as the prospective husband. If you cannot build a house, you should rent or get a comfortable apartment before the marriage. While getting the apartment is your responsibility, the lady usually will furnish the house with furniture, kitchen items, etc. Notwithstanding, there is nothing wrong with you doing it by yourself, especially if her family will find it difficult to do it. After all, you are interested in knowing how to get married to a Hausa lady and you want her to leave her parents’ house and move to yours.
Pre Wedding Events
Several pre-wedding events are sometimes held. While events like Kamu, Kunshi/Sa Lalle, and the likes have been practiced for quite a while in Hausaland, many events, earlier unknown to Hausas have been borrowed from other cultures. This includes bridal shower, mother’s eve, Arabian night, and lots more. So, depending on the family you are marrying from, you could end up with a wedding without a single pre- or post-wedding event, or one with several.
ALSO READ: The Evolution of Kamu Tradition in Hausa Land
Kai Kayan Lefe
Delegated female members of your family will take the kayan lefe you have bought to the lady’s family. This is usually done about a week before the wedding. The lady’s family will prepare a small feast that day, and your delegates will be given some tips, known as tukwuici.
Jere
A few days to the wedding, female members of both families will go to the house you have prepared for your bride and arrange the kayan daki brought by her family, and the lefe brought by you.
Kayan Gara
These are food items that the lady’s family will bring to you usually in large quantities. It is either brought during the jere, along with the amarya after the Wedding Fatiha or after the wedding celebrations. If you have spent all your savings and even borrowed additional money to meet up with the marriage expenses, this will help you to recover for a while, before you continue with your responsibility of providing food for the family.
Sadaki (Dowry)
Unlike in some foreign cultures e.g. in India, where the bride’s family is obliged to give out the bride alongside the bride price, it is not the same in Hausaland. Here, the man is expected to give this obligatory gift to his prospective wife, or at least make a promise to pay it at a later time if he cannot afford it at the moment. This is an expression of the man’s desire to marry her and shoulder her responsibilities. It can be as little as agreed by the prospective couples or as much as they can afford, without however going to the extremes. Nevertheless, if the lady is of Fulani origin, you might be expected to give some cows as dowry or a mixture of cash and cows. It is advised that you consult people from the same community as your prospective wife, to know the range of amount in cash or its equivalence in-kind usually given there.
Daurin Aure
This is the day you have been waiting for. The Wedding Fatiha is officiated by Islamic scholars or other respected members of the society. The lady’s guardian, ‘waliyyi’ will formally announce to have given out his daughter in marriage to you, and your representative, ‘wakili’ will accept her on your behalf in the presence of witnesses. This is done to involve elders in the union, so that whenever the couples are facing a problem, they will be able to intervene and provide solutions. The amount of dowry paid before or on this day is also announced to the hearing of those present.
Conveyance of the Bride (Kai Amarya)
After the Wedding Fatiha, and all other events that will follow, the next thing is to convey the bride (amarya) to her new home. This is the time when most brides cry, not because they are not happy getting married, but because of how sad it is to finally leave the home they’ve known all their lives, for a completely new one. The bride is escorted by her friends and close relatives to the new house, and sometimes one or two might spend the night in the house.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to get married to a Hausa lady, we hope you will take the necessary steps and invite us to your wedding soon. Do you have more to tell us about Hausa weddings or how it differs with your tribe’s, please do tell us about it in the comments section below. We are eager to hear from you!
FAQs
How do Hausa people marry?
This starts from seeking permission from the parents, followed by some pre-wedding rites and events, and officially concluded during the Wedding Fatiha with representatives from both families and witnesses.
How long will it take to marry a Hausa lady?
This depends on several factors, including financial readiness and parents from both sides being satisfied with their prospective in-law.
Can I marry a Hausa lady in four weeks?
Yes, you can. For some families, the whole wedding process can be concluded in much less time.
How much is Hausa Bride Price?
There is no fixed amount for bride price in Hausa land. It can be as low or as high as the two families agree on. However, moderation is advised, so, always consult with people from the same community ad your prospective wife.
Is Hausa wedding expensive?
This depends on the family you are marrying from. You will definitely spend a lot if you are planning to marry someone from a rich family, but overall, Hausa weddings aren’t expensive.
Can a non-Hausa man marry a Hausa lady?
Yes. A significant example is the marriage of Idris Ajimobi, son of Oyo state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, and Fatima Ganduje, daughter of Kano State governor.
