On Saturday we had the privilege of attending a local wedding of a
couple called Paul and Ruth. In some ways, weddings here are similar to home –
big dress, church service, reception meal and partying into the small hours. Of
course there are also a lot of local customs that made the day particularly
interesting for a couple of foreign visitors. The wedding we attended was
hosted by the bride’s brother-in-law and not her immediate family. This
reflects the ‘one for all’ Tanzanian attitude to family and the sharing and
generosity it involves.
The church service lasted a fairly standard 3 hours with plenty of
singing and dancing, although thankfully with minimal audience participation.
It also became apparent that there’s no such thing as ‘walking’ at any point
during the day, no matter what the distance, dancing was the only acceptable
method of movement. Towards the end of the service, the congregation were
invited to come forward and congratulate the newly married couple so unlike in
Ireland where an orderly queue would be formed, we found ourselves part of a
raucous conga line!
The church service lasted a fairly standard 3 hours with plenty of
singing and dancing, although thankfully with minimal audience participation.
It also became apparent that there’s no such thing as ‘walking’ at any point
during the day, no matter what the distance, dancing was the only acceptable
method of movement. Towards the end of the service, the congregation were
invited to come forward and congratulate the newly married couple so unlike in
Ireland where an orderly queue would be formed, we found ourselves part of a
raucous conga line!
After the service, we went for lunch which was accompanied by yet more
choir singing and dancing, just to make sure any silence was avoided. The food
was delicious and included beef, our first taste of red meat in Tanzania.
Apparently we almost missed out on our meaty treat though. The bride’s
brother-in-law told us that he was sent to walk a mile to collect the beef
earlier in the day, and obviously beef is easier to transport when it is still
alive to walk the journey itself. Dinner had other ideas and decided to make a
break for freedom. This resulted in a very hot and tired brother-in-law missing
most of the service. The morning exercise only seemed to tenderise the meat and
lunch was enjoyed by all.
On the way home for a break and ‘resty’ between celebrations, a passing
comment revealed that we were expected to match the bridal party’s chosen
colour theme of blue and yellow for the evening reception. Apparently the more
‘bridesmaid’ you look the better, clearly dress clashing isn’t the social faux
pas it is at home. A swift change of shirt, altering of a dress and
dismantlement of a yellow cushion cover, we were all set.
After attending a wedding here, some things we wish we knew when we got
married:
- It’s perfectly acceptable to say how much cash your gift should be. And even print it on the invitation. And refuse entry if it’s not paid.
- Walking is never an option. Always dance!
- Gifts should be proudly displayed and presented. The more people carrying it the better.
- Food should be as fresh as possible...kill your cow that morning.
- Once married, the bride should always carry the man’s jacket and prepare his own special food plate. Obviously marriage renders all men helpless.
- The only way to travel around town is with the accompaniment of a brass band on the back of a flat bed truck.
- Main course should include beef four ways and chicken three ways. And a boiled banana.
We’ve set up a flickr account with some photos of the day. They can be accessed here.
Swahilli word of the day: pongezi (congratulations – used extensively
throughout the day)
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