Scenes from a Traditional Marriage
These pictures were taken on May 28, 2005 _________________________________________________
A small part of "the list" given by the groom to bride's family
Bride's friends preparing food
More cooking by bride's friends
Village ladies cooking for marriage
More village ladies preparing marriage food
Village ladies sweep the pathway into the marriage compound
Traditional drummers wait to entertain
Villagers block the groom's entrance
Negotiating with the ladies on the groom's behalf
Telling the groom what the ladies are demanding
The ladies are happy with the groom's gifts. He can pass.
The groom enters.
The groom dances into the compound.
All eyes are on the groom.
The groom sits in the "hot seat", trying to look cool.
Groom's spokesman greet the bride's family on his behalf.
The groom is shown and described the food for the marriage.
Praying over the food.
Presenting an older lady. "Is THIS your bride?" No, sorry, she is not.
Presenting a young girl. "Is THIS your bride?" No, again.
Finally, here comes the REAL bride.
Friends bringing the bride in. Notice the money.
The groom greets the bride with money.
Is this a sign of things to come ?
The bride's mother and others throw money while the couple dances.
The bride and groom on display.
Smile ! You're still on display.
The bride presents the groom to her family for their acceptance.
A drink to welcome the family's acceptance.
The groom presents the bride to his friends.
A prayer over the bride and groom.
Exchanging of the rings.
The bride with her mother and senior brother.
Gifts for the bride and groom, goat included.
Traditional dancers enter the compound.
Dancers entertain the couple.
This one is somewhat scary.
Bride, groom, and groom's spokesman.
Children from the village want a glimpse of the white man.
More villagers.
And more villagers.
Thanking bride's friend who helped so much.
The happy couple.
