Andreia's Chatter: The Botswanan Wedding

Yesterday, we attended part of a wedding ceremony as we were invited by the Chief of Botswana to join them. We were required to wear skirts and something to cover our heads.

We were told to walk into an office first. While waiting in the office, many passerby came around to greet us, shook our hands, and asked us for our names or where we came from.

The women were required to sit on the floor and the men were allowed to sit in chairs. Not only that, the men sat in front of the women, so the women really could not see any part of the ceremony.

One of the couples standing in the center of a semi circle of people, receiving permission to marry.

Apparently, there are two steps in the wedding ceremony. The first part, the one we attended, is when the chief grants permission for marriage. Many couples receive their blessings within one ceremony. Each groom must bring 8 cows to present and give to the bride and her family at this part of the celebration. One couple at a time walk up to the chief and receive their blessing. Then the women on the floors shreek at the top of their lungs "YEYEYEYEYEYEYEYEYE!!!" which is the only way I could tell that the ceremony was progressing from where I was sitting. Once they are granted permission, they go home and continue normal life for 3 weeks. The three week trial is for testing the fidelity and trust of the male. Ruth mentioned that men are not to be trusted until they are able to prove themselves during this period. At the end of three weeks, they have their real-white-gown wedding and whole day of food, drinks, and music. Their feast includes a slaughtered cow from the dowry given three weeks ago. All the people of the village join in the celebration, dressed in their best clothes. We, unfortunately, did not get to attend any actual weddings yet.