Is It *Afrikan* to Cover the Hair During A Wedding Ceremony?

Shemsi en Tehuti · (#1 (**permalink**))

I have been researching different Afrikan customs, and one in particular is weddings that I found interesting. In much of West Afrika, I find that women have their hair wrapped in some fashion during the wedding ceremony. This seems even to be the case with klans like the Ewe who are not even Islamic. At the same time, areas of Central, East, and South Africa that is less infused with Islam or Mohammedism, we find that the occurrence of women wrapping their hair far less and even nonexistent in some places. I could be wrong here, which is why I am posting it for discussion.

Considering this, is it indeed *Afrikan* that the bride of the wedding have her hair wrapped and unseen?

Is this custom mostly influenced by the Islamicization of Afrika?

LadyDay · (#2 (**permalink**))

I do know that back in the day all christian women covered their head for prayer. so that would explain why not just the islamised cultures do so

but hey good thread will love to read more about it when people post

Shemsi en Tehuti · (#3 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyDay

I do know that back in the day all christian women covered their head for prayer. so that would explain why not just the islamised cultures do so

but hey good thread will love to read more about it when people post

I am looking forward to the responses as well. When it comes to Christian women, that is primarily only in East and Northeast Africa where Christianity lived at least somewhat in precolonial Africa. I don't even think Ethiopians cover their hair and they are considered a Christian nation for longer than Europe, but I could be wrong about that.

astmartins · (#4 (**permalink**))

Yes my sisters did and even though we have a Christian Muslim mix in our family they married Christian and in line with tradition they covered their hair and face until uncovered by the Bridegroom

LadyDay · (#5 (**permalink**))

found this interesting article
Colourful | Comment & Features | feature

doesnt quite ansswer the question but helps

Shemsi en Tehuti · (#6 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by astmartins

Yes my sisters did and even though we have a Christian Muslim mix in our family they married Christian and in line with tradition they covered their hair and face until uncovered by the Bridegroom

Aren't you from Nigeria? What nation-klan (Yoruba, Hausa, etc)?

rachie · (#7 (**permalink**))

My cousin who has lived in Nigeria all of her life had a traditional white wedding and i don't think that she covered her head with a veil when she got married. Their family are Christians and some Christians do opt for a traditional white wedding.

If you are Yoruba and you opt for a traditional Nigerian wedding then of course you will be wearing native dress and part of that outfit will be the head wrap.

I was looking at these pictures yesterday and this woman who is supposed to be having a tradtional Igbo wedding has not got her head covered in the pictures.
Ezinne and Oji's Traditional Wedding pictures from weddings photos on webshots

Even in the West with traditional white weddings women used to wear veils quite a lot but women have stopped wearing veils quite so much in this day and age.

In some churches when mass is going on here and in Nigeria it is still the done thing for a woman to cover their head when inside the church.

Abissinia · (#8 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shemsi en Tehuti

I don't even think Ethiopians cover their hair and they are considered a Christian nation for longer than Europe, but I could be wrong about that.

...................................

They do cover the head with veil or if a church wedding the bride and groom both have to wear a jewelled crown (big and ugly looking things).

Shemsi en Tehuti · (#9 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abissinia

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They do cover the head with veil or if a church wedding the bride and groom both have to wear a jewelled crown (big and ugly looking things).

A veil is one thing, but I mean with the complete head wrap? Does that happen in Ethiopia?

astmartins · (#10 (**permalink**))

@Shemsi
It is Yoruba with fragments of Igbo on my Moms Side..I must say its more to do with the traditional wedding

Shemsi en Tehuti · (#11 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by astmartins

@Shemsi
It is Yoruba with fragments of Igbo on my Moms Side..I must say its more to do with the traditional wedding

Cool...thanks for your input.

Abissinia · (#12 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shemsi en Tehuti

A veil is one thing, but I mean with the complete head wrap? Does that happen in Ethiopia?

Only 'some' muslims wear head wraps. Christians and others might wear a white shawl and veil (on weddings) on their head but they don't completely cover it. As far as i know the only time women completely cover the head is when someone in the family dies.

Shemsi en Tehuti · (#13 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abissinia

Only 'some' muslims wear head wraps. Christians and others might wear a white shawl and veil (on weddings) on their head but they don't completely cover it. As far as i know the only time women completely cover the head is when someone in the family dies.

Thanks alot...I was wondering when I was going to get your input on this thread. Now where is Mez at?