you are invited to the wedding of a dear friend & neighbor.....

they were married on a Friday; the holy day which is custom here. They went to primary school together and their families think they will be a great match. Rain for the entire day was a downer and made the usual festivities postponed and the dancing outside seem impossible but the wedding went on. Everyone pitches in and does their part to make the wedding day fabulous.

the rain and lack of power keeps us women all packed inside waiting for the bride to arrive...think no breeze and sweat!

shoes always must be removed before entering a home and the chai is ready and waiting for the men to return from the mosque

everyone arrives in their best attire and brings food, mats, or other necessities for the day

the bride is escorted in from the salon with a kanga over her head making sure no one can see her. She always stays in a room decorated for the occasion and everyone comes in to take pictures, pray, and wish blessings. She wears green as is custom because it is the color of blessing here. Lots of "umependeza" you have made your self beautiful! comments are made in whispers to her.

lots of waiting and mischief for some watoto

making friends

odi or incense is burned during prayers

everyone is dressed in their very best

and generations of women decked out in the brightest colors wait for a glimpse of the bride

time for the men to go make this thing official

saying vows and praying

the happy couple.

the rain finally lets up and everyone helps to lay the mats outside. The men return from the mosque and get ready to drum and chant...kupiga dufu

the women hear the drums and sing along and sway (no dancing allowed remember!). some get a bit feisty what with all the money waving and kupiga vigelegele which I cannot really translate except to say crazy loud noises made by moving your tongue super fast...you have to hear it!

thanks for joining our harusi. many prayers of blessings for the couple.