John Gee, a member of the Diocese of Edmonton, is currently in Burundi, working in the Diocese of Buye for a three-month stint. We welcome this guest post to the blog.
My first activity on arrival in Burundi was attending the wedding of Bishop Sixbert’s niece. A wedding here is an elaborate affair that goes on for at least two days.
On
the first evening we had the “give-away” which is hosted by the
bride’s family, in this case the bishop. The groom’s family is
expected to provide a payment to compensate for the loss of the
bride’s services to her family. Originally the payment took the
form of cows. Now it is a large basket of fruit with a small basket
of money hidden inside. Before it is presented, there is a protracted
negotiation over the price with lots of humour and innuendo.
Eventually agreement is reached and the bride is produced. Then
everyone joins in feasting and celebration.
The
actual wedding is the next day. In Burundi the civil and religious
ceremonies are separate. First the couple attend at the municipal
office for the civil marriage. Then everyone goes to the church for
the service. It is a full liturgy with communion; the order is
immediately recognizable to Canadian Anglicans even though it is conducted in
Kurundi. However, the congregation participates more actively,
interrupting with applause and “Amen” at every opportunity.
After
that is the reception, hosted by the groom’s family. The couple
come into the hall through a ceremonial arch and adorn each other
with jewellery. The cake cutting is similar to what would happen in
Canada. Then there are many speeches and incredibly beautiful
traditional dancing. The festivities carry on through the night, but
my hosts thoughtfully didn’t make me stay for the whole thing.
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