Apologies to all my avid blog readers out there - I haven't posted anything for at least a week or so! I didn't really have anything interesting to write about..... However now I do, because yesterday we went to our first Ghanaian wedding! Which was an interesting cultural experience.
The wedding was for a girl called Debora who is a housekeeper at one of the other houses here at the mine, and her husband Bright (whom we had never met before!). Actually we've only met Debora a few times as well - she also sells phone card credit - so I usually buy them from her. So it was nice of them to invite us along.
In true Ghanaian fashion, the ceremony started late - we arrived at 10am, and no-one was there! So by 11am finally the groom showed up (the bride doesn't come until later in the ceremony). There are some interesting old traditions, which are quite humorous at times.... a representative of the brides' family has to state their intentions for coming, and then all the family members and special guests introduces themselves formally (including us!). Then the groom's family presents their agreed gifts (like a dowry), which included wedding rings, a bible, a bottle of Schnapps liquer (always a favourite), fabric for the bride to make beautiful dresses, and some "big money" for the father of the bride.
The funniest part was when the bride was brought in and presented to the groom, and the pastor asked "Is this the correct woman?". Apparently they used to have a tradition of bringing in another lady instead (usually a really ugly one!) They have the usual exchange of rings, but interestingly there was no mention of love at all!
We then moved on to the reception (or "refreshments" as they call it), which was outside - thankfully with some tents set up. Warren and I were "special guests" at the high table, and Warren had to give a little speech which he wasn't expecting! There was lots of loud music and dancing which is always fun, but by 2.30pm we still hadn't had anything to eat or drink and I was really beginning to wilt in the hot weather! So eventually we excused ourselves, saying that Warren had to go back to work (which was half true!). Those celebrations can go on for a really long time....
Hopefully you can see in the picture my dress - its a traditional Ghanaian style dress called a "cabba and slit" - the cabba is the top, and slit is the skirt which usually has a slit in the side or back. It was given to me by Comfort (from Mercy Mission), and everyone was very impressed that I wore one! "Oh Madam Jessie you look so beautiful today!" I can't say it was the most comfortable thing though - its all lined and very fitted - the tighter the better! (I actually let the top out a bit after it was made because it was just too tight!)
Also notice Warren's nice African shirt, completed in true Aussie style - with double plugger thongs - his favourites from Esperance Bait and Tackle shop!
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