For centuries, the rich brown stain of lalle known globally as henna has adorned the hands and feet of Hausa-Fulani women, symbolizing not just beauty but deep cultural pride.
In northern Nigeria, particularly in Kano, the practice remains an inseparable part of traditional identity, passed down through generations.
Among the Hausa, sa lalle the ceremonial application of henna marks a significant milestone in a young woman’s life.
It often heralds the beginning of wedding festivities, signaling her transition into marital life.
The ritual is as symbolic as it is aesthetic, celebrating femininity, joy, and communal bonding.
While in the past, women gathered in courtyards to mix the paste and draw intricate patterns by hand, modern life has transformed the practice.
Today, Kano’s bustling neighborhoods are filled with skilled henna artists, offering dazzling designs that blend traditional motifs with contemporary creativity.
A popular henna artist in Kano, Hajiya Aisha Bashir, explained that she usually experiences a large turnout of customers during wedding and festive seasons.
Beyond its beauty, lalle carries emotional and cultural weight for older generations who see it as a living link to their heritage.
80-year-old Kano resident Sahura Buhari reflected fondly on its enduring significance.
“During our younger days, mothers used to prepare the henna paste at home and cover our legs and hands with it,” she said.
“But now, things have changed artists creatively design flowers and intricate patterns, often mixing brown and black colours to enhance the beauty.”
Hajiya Aisha added that during weddings, the bride and her friends usually undergo sa lalle , a special session where they are beautifully decorated with henna as part of the celebration.
She further highlighted the medicinal benefits of henna.
“Whenever I experience pain related to arthritis, I quickly prepare henna paste, rub it on my leg, and cover it with nylon. Before long, the pain disappears,” she explained.
According to her, beyond its beauty purpose, henna also helps to keep the body warm, emphasizing that its importance cannot be overemphasized.
“we used henna not only for decoration but to celebrate important moments. It was part of our identity,” she said.
“Even now, when I see young women wearing it, I feel happy that our culture is still alive.”
From family compounds to bridal parlors, the art of henna continues to flourish, a testament to the Hausa-Fulani people’s respect for tradition, even in an age of change.
Khadijah Aliyu
