Many cultures in and out of Nigeria often have different marriage traditions. The Fulani tradition involves “sharo” which is a fulani game that involves two suitors flogging one another publicly to win a maiden’s hand in marriage.
The nomadic Fulani are known for their hardwork, discipline and courage. Because of this, it is believed that this process will help test the strength of the potential groom to prove his worth in terms of strength, resilience and endurance.
In ‘an act of bravery’ the groom is expected not to wince, cry or show he is in pain, while asking for more strokes.
The challenger will flog his opponent until he begs him to stop. A referee is provided to keep watch on the strokes so as to prevent serious and life-threatening injuries like blindness.
The winner of the flogging competition is a right to marry any girl they choose, or even four girls if he can prove his ability to handle all of them.
Despite the diffusion of the Fulani culture with Islam, the Sharo Festival’s importance has ensured its continuous practice over the centuries.
