Many indigenous cultures in Africa often have rites before the groom is allowed to marry their daughters. These traditions may vary from culture to culture, sacrifice, hunting, tests of bravery, strength, and fortification.

One of such indigenous people would be the Fulani of West Africa. These people practice the Sharo Festival diligently. The word Sharo means flogging. It is a public ceremony celebrated to test the bravery and resilience of the groom and make him prove that he is worthy of the bride. The festival is held twice a year. Why flog a man all in the name of marrying a lady? What kind of tradition is this?

The first of the festival is usually held during the dry season when guinea corn is being harvested, and the second during the Muslim festival of Id-el-Kabir.

The Sharo Festival is held for a week in an open place such as a market square. The festival starts up with various forms of performances by tricksters, minstrels, and maiden dancers. The main part of the festival begins with the arrival of bare-chested, unmarried men who are escorted to the center ring by beautiful young girls.

Hopes are raised by the melodious drumbeats and thunderous cheers of the spectators while contenders eye their challengers. The families of the contenders watch and pray not to be disgraced by their sons because a son who cannot endure the flogging brings disgrace to the family.

Many contenders often recite mantras during the flogging rite or undergo a traditional fortification process in preparation for the day. This is because withstanding high amounts of pain is quite difficult.

These severe floggings often leave scars on the proud contenders who believe the scars are marks of courage and a successful transition to manhood. After the flogging, the brave boys become men and are giving permission to marry the girl of their choice.

Fulanis believe in flogging a prospective groom publicly before the wedding. All suitors are expected to go through this rigorous flogging and anyone who cries or chickens out loses the bride. The woman sees it as a thing of pride if her man gets flogged for her.

Should this festival be banned or not?

Kindly share your thoughts in the comment section

SOURCE: scoopernews.com

Ned Nwoke go fit stand this?

Am impressed
Fulani madslems have been babaric right from the start

But our Hausa brothers are giving their underage daughters to Fulani men on a plater..

Who flogged buhari before he marry? I need to know