Weddings

3rd and 4th May

First event was the wedding of the Dean’s daughter. Glamorously dressed in white not unlike a European outfit, she wore and elaborate, glittery tiara. During the pre-wedding lunch, she was nowhere to be seen. The afternoon was interrupted by much clapping, tongue clicking and other assorted noises that heralded the arrival of the groom. He was escorted by his entourage to the bride’s house. Thirty minutes later, they emerged together and, accompanied by their attendants, paraded their way through the clapping crowd to a podium that had been erected for the occasion. They sat on throne like seats and watched as the attendants performed a traditional dance. The priest then performed the traditional ceremony, exchanging vows and rings.

The next day, I attended the wedding of another officer’s son. A lunch was held for his family and friends and at some point during the afternoon, the groom and his attendants and some of the guests went off to the house of the bride.


With Adina at Wedding

At both weddings, a meat wot and injeera was served constantly being replenished by men with never emptying bowls. Other men served ‘tella’ which is described as beer – but not like any beer I have ever tasted. It looks like muddy water and doesn’t taste much better. Very bitter. It is made at home and brewed for about a week. It is alcoholic but I have never been able to drink enough to test the veracity of this claim! At the Dean’s house, I was offered a soft drink instead for which I was extremely grateful.

At the groom’s house, there is also a lunch. The groom is then sent off with everyone clapping, dancing and making a lot of noise. Special guests of the groom follow in cars to the home of the bride where they join the bride’s guests for the ceremony and more celebrations.