An African wedding

We were invited to the wedding of a Kenyan and a Ugandan bride from the Acholi region. The wedding was almost postponed because the bride's family was said to be demanding a very high dowry.

Dowry huddle

At the reception, family members were still holding a meeting and shuffling papers.  Perhaps some adjustments had to be made since one of the dowry-cattle perished in the journey.

Baby on the floor while mama sings

Unlike weddings back home, the church rites were not solemn, but too cheerful because of the incessant singing and sporadic bird calls, as if someone from the mountains just descended upon the congregation.  Even the homily was frequently interrupted by hand and voice acclamations.

The Kenyans welcoming the bride to their family

       

The bride's family

During the reception, the bride and groom received gifts consisting of practical things such as cookware, stool, kikoi (the traditional Kenyan shawl), a cane, a belt from their families. The purpose of each gift was explained.  Then the guests presented their gifts to the couple and finally the newlyweds gave a few select individuals take-home tokens as a sign of gratitude. The highlight of the wedding reception was the freeing of a pair of doves. 

Lovey dovey

The doves were actually the idea of Angie that she brought from home.  She made the cage from recycled cartons, as there are no bird cages here (they say it is not acceptable to hold a bird in captivity). The crowd was awed because they have not seen something like this before.  Weddings here in Gulu will never be the same again without the ceremonial pair of doves.                

The food unveiled

My co-vol Pius, a Kenyan,  said that he would not allow his son to marry an Acholi woman as she can be very expensive.  We'll see.  Practices could change with time.